Ant and Dec poke fun at alleged Downing Street Christmas Party during I’m A Celebrity

I’m A Celebrity co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly mocked Boris Johnson during Tuesday’s show after reports alleged Downing Street staff had a Christmas party during 2020’s coronavirus lockdown.

The presenters jokingly referenced the allegations , saying that the ITV show’s contestants “categorically deny” any suggestion they had a party in the Welsh castle, where it is being filmed.

It comes as footage emerged showing senior aides to the Prime Minister joking about a Downing Street Christmas party, just days after staff are alleged to have held a festive gathering in breach of lockdown rules.

While introducing the next segment on I’m A Celebrity, Mr Donnelly said: “It is all changing in camp now because yesterday the celebs chose a new leader via the gift of a secret vote.”

Mr McPartlin continued: “And that means David’s reign is over. But they weren’t celebrating. They categorically deny any suggestions that they had a party.”

“And this fictional party definitely didn’t involve cheese and wine, or a Secret Santa,” he quipped.

Donnelly then looked directly into the camera and said: “Evening Prime Minister… for now.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to face questions over an alleged Christmas Downing Street party following the emergence of leaked footage showing senior aides joking about such an event (PA Wire)

The Prime Minister’s then press secretary Allegra Stratton and adviser Ed Oldfield, along with other aides, were filmed joking about a “fictional” party in December 2020 in a video from a mock press conference obtained by ITV News.

In a video recording of what is reported to be a rehearsal for a TV media briefing, aides were filmed talking and laughing about a Christmas party, as Ms Stratton jokingly refers to a “business meeting” and “cheese and wine” event.

The recording is said to be taken on December 18, 2020 when London was in Tier 3 restrictions, meaning that people were not meant to meet in other people’s homes.

On Tuesday, Downing Street again insisted there was no Christmas party and coronavirus rules had been followed at all times

The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the footage in relation to alleged breaches of coronavirus restrictions and will take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to investigate it further.

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