Top 10 Embarrassing Moments From Politicians On TV Shows

#10: Theresa May
“The One Show” (2006-)

Theresa May was once asked in an interview to reveal the naughtiest thing she had ever done, and this was her less than enthralling answer: . So when she appeared on “The One Show” in 2017 alongside husband Philip, viewers probably weren’t expecting an evening of high drama. What follows, though, is a half-hour snoozefest that continually turns the switch between the magnificently mundane and the excruciatingly awkward. Among other momentous revelations, we learn about the PM’s shoes, cookery books, and who takes the bins out in the May household.

#9: Ed Balls
“Strictly Come Dancing” (2004-)

The former Shadow Chancellor isn’t the only top level politician to have a crack at “Strictly” - Ann Widdecombe’s 2010 stint is still TV gold. But even her legendary performances are beaten by the ever-enthusiastic Ed Balls. The “Radio Times” once dubbed him the best ever Strictly contestant, and he won plaudits for the gusto with which he threw himself into routines. But it is almost impossible to watch him dance the salsa Gangnam Style without suffering a major bout of incurable cringe.

#8: Boris Johnson
“Have I Got News For You” (1990-)

Johnson has appeared many times on this quiz show as both panellist and presenter, and if there’s one thing all of his appearances have in common it is the rough ride he receives from others on the show. But Johnson’s most uncomfortable moment came as a panellist in 2001 when he was quizzed about the then Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith. Despite claiming to know his leader well, Johnson fails to answer a single question correctly – thanks in no small part to Paul Merton’s interruptions.

#7: David Cameron
“Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” (2001-10)

As an experienced politician, Cameron has fended off questions from some fearsome interviewers in his time. But when he was grilled by Jonathan Ross in 2006, he encountered a line of questioning we suspect he’d never received before. And, just in case you’re unsure on what Ross is insinuating, he poses the question again more bluntly a few minutes later. Ofcom received hundreds of complaints about the interview, but ultimately Ross was cleared of being what some described as “vulgar, disrespectful and unfair”.

#6: Lembit Öpik
“I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” (2002-)

When politicians participate on this show it’s usually fairly forgettable, but Öpik will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. When the former Lib Deb MP wasn’t getting bitten by a snake, he was driving campmates to distraction with his inane chatter. Lembit’s poor attempts at humour failed to impress the public, and the funniest thing he said probably came in his exit interview - when he claimed his time in camp had proven he was capable of surviving in the jungle. Watch out Bear Grylls, you’ve got some competition.

#5: Nigel Farage
“Have I Got News For You” (1990-)

Besides Boris, plenty of other politicians have come unstuck on “Have I Got News For You”, with Robert Kilroy-Silk once almost coming to blows with his team captain. But we’ve gone for Nigel Farage’s extremely awkward appearance in 2014, when he was asked about a claim that UKIP was a bunch of fruitcakes and loonies. Even the normally opinionated Farage is left speechless when confronted by the views of his party treasurer. And whilst he appears to take the affair in good spirits, he certainly isn’t laughing as much as we are.

#4: David Lammy
“Celebrity Mastermind” (2002-)

When Labour MP Lammy appeared on this quiz show in 2008, he was Minister of State for Higher Education. So he was certain to acquit himself well, right? Unfortunately, Lammy scores just 13 points, and the absurdity of some of his answers leaves viewers scratching their heads. When asked which BLUE cheese often accompanies port, Lammy suggests it was RED Leicester. And when quizzed on who succeeded Henry VIII, the MP gives this bizarre response: . Even allowing for nerves, it was a painfully poor performance, and calamitous for his credibility.

#3: Oona King
“Dancing On Ice” (2006-)

Despite lasting just three weeks on the figure-skating show, the former MP for Bethnal Green and Bow made a lasting impression. Her performances were regularly savaged by the judges, with Jason Gardiner in particular laying the boot in. To top it all, on her final skate, King trips her partner Mark Hanretty before their routine even begins. Hanretty suffered a dislocated shoulder, and whilst he bravely returns to complete the dance, it wasn’t enough to save King from an embarrassing early exit.

#2: Michael Fabricant
“First Dates” (2013-)

As part of a fundraising event for Stand Up To Cancer, Conservative MP Fabricant appeared on this fan favourite dating show opposite a fantasy novelist called Jan. Things start off well, but the dinner hits the rocks when Jan makes a particular comment about Fabricant’s hair. Afterwards, the MP acknowledged in a tweet that he had made “a tit” of himself by over-reacting. But, all’s well that ends well… The scene scooped more publicity for the charity, and the couple reportedly met up after the show for a second date away from the cameras.

#1: George Galloway
“Celebrity Big Brother” (2001-)

Firebrand politician Galloway claims he went on this seminal reality show to reach a broader audience with his political message. Unfortunately, the impression he made is unlikely to be the one he intended. As well as prancing around in a red leotard and revealing that his favourite pursuits are sex and sunbathing, Galloway performs this bizarre (and now-famous) feline roleplay with actress Rula Lenska. After being booed by the crowds at his eviction, even his supporters had to admit his appearance on the show was a CATastrophe.