PM defends Gogglebox appearance after Badenoch criticism

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended his decision to appear on a celebrity episode of Channel 4 hit show Gogglebox after opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "amazed" he had time to do it.

Badenoch told BBC Breakfast that "even as a junior minister or as a secretary of state, I never had time to go on Gogglebox" and it "takes hours to do".

The Conservative leader was responding after Burnham was revealed in the line-up of a celebrity episode of the show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer - which will air later.

"I'm proud to support Stand Up To Cancer. I make no apology for trying to lead with a bit of lightness and at times a bit of humour, that's the way I go at things," Burnham said.

The former Greater Manchester mayor will appear on the programme alongside friend Steve Rotheram, the Labour mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Burnham continued: "It is always a moment in the annual calendar where we support Stand Up To Cancer through Gogglebox," Burnham said of the recurring charity special.

"Steve and I are proud to do it.

"I'm trying to give the country a lift - trying to give the county some hope.

"That's always my approach and it's what I'm trying to do.

"It may not appeal to everybody when it comes to Gogglebox.

"It's Stand Up To Cancer night and I've always been somebody who puts my shoulder behind the fight against cancer."