Ant and Dec took a little bit of time out to mock the UK government’s ‘Christmas party’ during last night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
And the video’s now been viewed millions of times on social media.
During a typical appearance for the award-winning presenters – who have been the hosts of the popular ITV reality competition show since it first began all the way back in 2002 – where they explain what the celebrity campmates have been up to and set the scene for the next part of the show, the pair addressed Prime Minister Boris Johnson directly in reference to the alleged Christmas Party.
When explaining that former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin has bee chosen as the new camp leader to take over from former footballer David Ginola, Ant launched his tongue-in-cheek attack: “David Ginola’s reign is over.
“But they weren’t celebrating. They didn’t have a party. They categorically deny any suggestions that they had a party.
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“And this fictional party definitely didn’t involve cheese and wine, or a secret Santa.”
Then, after Ant had finished alluding to the alleged party, Dec chips in to directly speak to Boris Johnson saying: “Evening Prime Minister.”
Since the scene aired live on ITV last night, and the video was shared to Twitter, it’s racked up millions of views on social media, with plenty of viewers praising the pair and adding their own viewpoints.
One person commented: “Moments like these are why Ant and Dec clean up every year at the awards. The best and it isn’t even close.”, while another added: “Who’d have thought that it was Ant and Dec that would finally bring Johnson down.”
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“The actual anger is even palpable in the most lovely men on earth.” another concluded.
Ant and Dec’s mocking comes amid ongoing conversation nationwide after Downing Street has been accused of hosting several parties during the national lockdowns at the end of 2020, after a damning report in the Mirror.
The Prime Minister himself, as well as up to 50 colleagues, allegedly broke lockdown rules by hosting a leaving party in November, and a Christmas party in December.
Downing Street has been accused of hosting several parties during the national lockdowns at the end of 2020 / Credit: UK Parliament
It also comes directly after after a video recording – which was obtained by ITV News – of what is reported to be a rehearsal for a TV media briefing emerged, in which senior Number 10 aides were filmed talking and laughing about a Christmas party.
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They also jokingly referred to a “business meeting” and a “cheese and wine” event.
The footage is said to be from 22 December last year, which is four days after the alleged Christmas party took place in Number 10.
In a statement to ITV News, the Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the footage, adding that: “It is our policy not to routinely investigate retrospective breaches of the Covid 19 regulations, however the footage will form part of our considerations.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also responded to the claims, saying that the “guidelines were followed at all times.”
Featured Image – ITV
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Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year
Danny Jones
Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.
Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.
Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.
The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.
Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.
Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Groupbehind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.
“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come. And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come.
“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”
It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:
With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.
“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”
Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.
Emily Sergeant -
8th December 2021 
