An emotional Andy Burnham is seen reacting to ‘devastating’ cancer diagnosis stories on tonight’s special episode of Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

The Prime Minister is appearing on the programme, alongside Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotherham, as part of the Stand Up To Cancer charity campaign.

The two Labour politicians are seen giving their reactions to what they are watching on TV from inside Downing Street.

A clip of the programme, which airs in full at 9.05pm this evening, shows the duo – as well as other famous faces such as Stanley Tucci, Paul Whitehouse, Joe Lycett and the Sugababes  – watching emotional cancer stories.

One film focuses on the story of Callum who was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Another film focuses on the story of Shona, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and her husband Will, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

An emotional Andy Burnham is seen reacting to ‘devastating’ cancer diagnosis stories on tonight’s special episode of Channel 4’s Gogglebox

Felicity Blunt, the wife of Stanley Tucci who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017, says: ‘It’s so weird, because obviously we went thought that whole diagnosis with you’

Reacting to the stories, the PM says: ‘I just couldn’t imagine’ and ‘it’s devastating for that family’.

Mr Burnham adds: ‘The only thing that does give some hope is there is so much incredible research going on, and some of the main cancers of years ago, there’s been such big progress on them.

‘But it’s utter devastation isn’t it, if you’re that couple I don’t know how you cope with that.’

Dame Felicity Blunt, the wife of American actor Tucci turns to her husband, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017, and says: ‘It’s so weird, because obviously we went through that whole diagnosis with you.’

British actor Lenny Rush says: ‘What a brave family – all of them.’ Sitting next to him, comedian Whitehouse adds: ‘She’s extraordinary, to have that positive outlook.’

Mr Burnham is the first PM to appear on Gogglebox. A teaser for the programme introduces him and Mr Rotherham as ‘good friends Andy and Steve’.

It also reveals the PM offering Mr Rotherham a beer and crisps, with Mr Burnham heard saying: ‘I’ve got Skips, pork scratchings, Twiglets. Twiglets are probably the best aren’t they?’

The show’s regulars are appearing on Friday’s special version of the programme, as well as the PM and a number of celebrities.

Mr Burnham defended his appearance on the TV show after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of dodging ‘difficult’ work to protect the UK. 

The PM said he would ‘make no apology’ for trying to ‘lead with a bit of lightness’ after Mrs Badenoch questioned how he had the time to take part in the show.

He said he was ‘proud’ to support Stand Up To Cancer, adding: ‘That’s the way I go at things and connect with people as best I can.

‘And perhaps if a few more people watch it tonight and then support Stand Up To Cancer, that will be job done.’

Mrs Badenoch had questioned the PM’s decision to take part in the show while he had other commitments to attend to.

Referring to the Government’s advice to the public to stockpile food, water and other essentials to prepare for possible emergencies in the future, she said: ‘I don’t mind them giving advice.

‘I worry that between the PM being on Gogglebox and then talking about stockpiling canned goods, they’re not actually doing the really difficult stuff that will protect the country.’

Mr Burnham is not the first Labour leader to appear on Gogglebox, with Jeremy Corbyn having taken part in a 2017 charity version.

The veteran Left-wing MP teamed up with actress Jessica Hynes, known for her role in BBC comedy W1A, for the show.

Mr Corbyn revealed his fondness for a coddled egg during the programme, as he criticised Nigella Lawson for the way she separated egg whites while watching the TV chef on screen.

Stanley Johnson, the father of former PM Boris Johnson, and Alastair Campbell are other political figures to have also previously appeared on Gogglebox.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also appeared on a spin-off programme with former Gogglebox stars Steph and Dom Parker when he was in charge of UKIP in 2014. 

Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

Gogglebox for Stand Up To Cancer is on Channel 4 tonight at 9.05pm.