Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.prestwichandwhitefieldguide.co.uk
The former Greater Manchester mayor appeared alongside the Liverpool City Region Mayor for a special edition of the programme in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Mr Burnham was filmed drinking a pint of beer as the pair reacted to some of the week’s television, including quiz show Only Connect and the BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors.
While trying to solve one of the Only Connect puzzles, Mr Burnham counted a series of numbers before joking: “I’ll be alright at the Budget, me.”
“Thank God that somebody can count,” Mr Rotheram replied.
The Prime Minister later correctly guessed that the answer to a question about an office in the royal household was “Warden of the Swans”.
“The King will be pleased with me,” he joked.
The programme also featured stories of people diagnosed with cancer, with Mr Burnham describing their experiences as “utter devastation”.
Reacting to the story of a young family dealing with the aftermath of cancer, he said: “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.”
Mr Burnham also watched part of an episode of the BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors.
Asked for his assessment, he said: “Well, obviously, I would say that politicians have got a lot to offer to those who are looking for tactics in relation to The Traitors.
“I think we can spot faithfuls and traitors a mile off.
“Our profession teaches us to do that, but it’s a great programme.
“It’s a great example of how strong British broadcasting is, and of course the BBC.”
Mr Burnham’s appearance came after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how he had time to take part in the programme alongside his other commitments.
Referring to Government advice for people to stockpile food, water and other essentials to prepare for possible future emergencies, she said: “I don’t mind them giving advice.
“I worry that between the Prime Minister 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 defended his decision to appear, saying he would “make no apology” for trying to “lead with a bit of lightness” and that he was “proud” to support Stand Up To Cancer.
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 which raises money for cancer research.
Channel 4 says more than £127 million has been raised in the UK to date, funding 73 clinical trials and research projects involving more than 13,000 cancer patients.
Mr Burnham is no stranger to light-hearted media appearances, having previously ranked pub snacks in a video alongside Chancellor John Healey and been quizzed about his career while on a stepladder.
Friday’s Gogglebox special also featured actor Stanley Tucci, comedian Joe Lycett and the Sugababes.
