Prime Minister Andy Burnham made television history on Friday 23 October when he became the first serving British Prime Minister to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox. His appearance alongside Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram in Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer special attracted mixed reactions, with some welcoming his support for cancer research and others questioning whether he should have taken part.

Filmed at 10 Downing Street, the pair swapped political discussions for television reviews, drinks and snacks. Their appearance was intended to raise awareness of the fundraising campaign, but it also prompted criticism from political opponents and divided opinion among viewers.

From Downing Street to the Gogglebox Sofa

Burnham and Rotheram appeared together as long-standing friends, watching and commenting on programmes including Only Connect. Their conversation covered everything from crisps and pork scratchings to Ed Balls' memorable appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

The programme also showed a more emotional side to the Prime Minister. Burnham appeared close to tears while watching the story of Callum, a 16-year-old who died from a rare form of cancer, reflecting on the devastating effect the disease has on families.

Other celebrities taking part included comedian Joe Lycett, joined by his aunties Pauline and Margaret, and Sugababes members Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy. Actor Stanley Tucci also appeared in the charity edition.

Viewers and Politicians React

The Prime Minister's appearance prompted contrasting responses, with some viewers welcoming his willingness to support a major charity campaign. Others questioned whether a serving Prime Minister should appear on an entertainment programme, particularly with important government business approaching.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the decision, questioning how Burnham had found time to film the programme ahead of the forthcoming Budget. Green Party councillor Florence Schecter also raised concerns about whether the appearance was an appropriate use of his time.

Burnham defended his participation, arguing that supporting Stand Up To Cancer was worthwhile and that he wanted to bring some positivity to the country. He said he hoped the programme would encourage more people to donate, while acknowledging that his approach would not appeal to everyone.

The contrasting responses highlighted the difficulty of balancing the public expectations placed on a Prime Minister with the more relaxed atmosphere of a programme built around ordinary television conversations.

The Important Cause Behind the Programme

Beyond the political debate, the special focused on raising money for cancer research. Stand Up To Cancer is a joint campaign organised by Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK, supporting research into improved tests and treatments.

The UK campaign has raised more than £127 million since launching in 2012, helping fund clinical trials and research projects involving thousands of patients.

Burnham's emotional response to the stories featured during the programme brought attention back to the purpose of the special, regardless of the wider discussion surrounding his appearance.

Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand Up To Cancer aired on Channel 4 on Friday 23 October and is available to stream through Channel 4.