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.”
— I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (@imacelebrity) December 7, 2021
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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René Meulensteen names the ‘ideal’ signing that Man United appear to be overlooking
Danny Jones
Ex-Manchester United coach René Meulensteen has named the one key signing that he feels the Red Devils are missing out on by not pursuing this summer.
The former Man United assistant, who served under Sir Alex and has recently returned to the backrooms of the English football pyramid, has given his verdict on what he thinks his old club still needs in terms of reinforcements.
Chatting with TipmanTips, the 62-year-old identified the backline as a persisting problem area for now full-time manager Michael Carrick, insisting that they could do with another central defender.
The footballer in question is his fellow countryman, Micky van de Ven – fresh from a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur – who has surprised many by not securing his next big-money move so far in the transfer window.
We are delighted to announce that Micky van de Ven has signed a new contract with the Club!
Speaking in an exclusive interview, he said his Dutch compatriot wouldn’t just be a great rotation player but a starter coming into the 2026/26 season.
“I still think they’re vulnerable at the back”, says Meulensteen, “and that’s one thing Michael is going to have to sort out as soon as possible when the season starts. Finding a centre-back partnership that works and getting some consistency in the back line will be key.
“Harry Maguire is coming off a good end to last season, but he needs some complementary centre-backs next to him, and then also on the right-hand side next to him with Mazraoui and Dalot not really doing anything.”
“I would have been looking at Micky van de Ven from Spurs before he signed a new deal. He’s powerful, he’s quick, he’s got great experience in playing as a left centre back in the Premier League, and he would have given United a very different dynamic in their defence.
He rounded off the recommendation, however late, by arguing that were Maguire to be a mainstay first-choice centre-half for Carrick this season, “van de Ven would’ve meant you wouldn’t have to worry about his lack of pace in behind, as he can cover so much ground recovering.”
As for who they have brought in so far, they’ve managed a well-balanced, albeit limited number of young and experienced talents, including the surprise return of greatest-ever goalscorers (currently 13th on the all-time list at still just 28) in Marcus Rashford.
While he did go on to cite the likes of Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke as a viable alternative, it’s fair to say he would be high up on the shortlist of many fans – and not just United.
On the other hand, we’d once again reiterate that we include ourselves among those stunned that he hasn’t had more suitors floating around of late, especially given he was one of the few bright lights among a side that nearly got relegated last term.
Would you have him as another CB option, Reds?
As for the one-time United assistant, he has recently been introduced to Stockport County FC supporters as the latest addition to the technical staff in an admittedly curious new position…
Elbow get behind campaign to save Jodrell Bank from closure
Danny Jones
Manc band Elbow are among the latest to get behind the campaign to save Jodrell Bank Observatory from closing permanently.
The Greater Manchester natives famously played a sold-out gig at the important scientific and cultural landmark for a very special live album recording well over a decade ago, and know all too well the site’s national and, indeed, global heritage.
Choosing the Observatory and the rare chance to perform a show in the shadow of the world-renowned James Lovell Telescope, it probably remains one of their most significant standalone UK date ever.
With that in mind, the local lads have been left just as worried by the news of its impending closure as everyone else, and have therefore issued a fresh appeal to help keep it open.
Posting a timely statement on social media, the group wrote: “Jodrell Bank has long been close to elbow’s heart. In 2012, the band played beneath the Lovell Telescope for one of the most memorable shows in our history.
“The recent news that funding for the e-MERLIN radio telescope network is set to end in 2028 puts the future of the scientific work at Jodrell Bank under serious threat. It is a remarkable place, with an extraordinary history, and one that continues to play an important role in science, culture and education.”
In addition to reliving clips and images from the historic live set all the years later, they also pointed people towards their ‘elbow – Live at Jodrell Bank‘ album documentary, which has now been made available online for the very first time as part of wider efforts to raise awareness around the cause.
Directing people to key online resources shared by the institution and astrophysics centre itself following their unfortunate update late last month, the push to not only find the funding but sustain support for the facility continues to ramp up throughout the world of science, arts and industry.
For anyone who somehow missed the news – 2028 being the current deadline handed down as per budget cuts across the sector – concerned parties here in the North West and all over the country have since started petitioning to save Jodrell Bank Observatory from shutting down for good.
In addition to being described as a “huge blow” to the field by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), some have even gone so far as to describe the decision as a form of “vandalism” when it comes to research and British culture as a whole.
Having also served as the host venue for the annual bluedot Festival since 2016, the multi-genre science and arts celebration could soon be forced to find a new home.
The battle is far from over yet, and the community has time to rescue Jodrell Bank Observatory from its fate, but it will take lots of money and more notable public figures to make it happen.
Once again, you can do your bit by signing the petition mentioned above right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
8th December 2021 
