Mock The Week's Unexpected Crossover: Strictly Hosts and Starmer Drama
Over its two-decade run, the satirical panel show Mock The Week has never shied away from poking fun at figures across the spectrum, from politicians and actors to royalty. However, even the most dedicated fans were taken aback by a surprising connection made on a recent episode, linking former Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's political turmoil.
Comedians Draw Parallels in Resignation Scenarios
During the latest broadcast on TLC, host Dara Ó Briain and panellists including Rhys James, Sara Pascoe, Katherine Ryan, Glenn Moore, Sarah Keyworth, and Hugh Dennis delved into the resignation of Starmer's Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney. This departure followed controversy over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, which intensified after the release of the latest Epstein files.
After James quipped that McSweeney's exit did little to resolve the ongoing scandal, Pascoe humorously compared the dynamic between the Chief of Staff and Starmer to a duo. 'You know McSweeney came up with the ideas, Keir Starmer was sort of putting it into action,' she said. 'They should have left at the same time, like Tess and Claudia don't you think? That was the fairest way to do it.'
When Ó Briain asked if that was the reason for Daly and Winkleman's departure from Strictly, Pascoe laughed, clarifying, 'Not because of the Epstein files.' Dennis added to the banter, noting, 'Dara and I left at the same time but he came back first.'
Continuation of Bold Political Humor
This episode follows last week's segment where audiences were stunned by jokes targeting ex-Prince Andrew and his alleged connections to Epstein. Panellists took turns mocking Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with Ó Briain showing a photo of him driving a car and prompting, 'What's going on here?' Angela Barnes quickly retorted, 'It's a bit late for a getaway car,' and Lou Sanders added, 'he usually drives a younger model, actually.'
Mock The Week's Revival and New Format
Originally launching in 2005, Mock The Week offered a humorous take on weekly news and remained a hit until its conclusion in November 2022. The show has now found a new home on TLC, which became free-to-air in the UK in January 2026. Ó Briain has expressed relief that the move allows for greater comedic freedom, free from the BBC's strict balance requirements.
This week's episode marks the third of nine new installments, each extended to one hour—double the length of the original BBC series. Maintaining its classic format, returning panellists like Dennis, Russell Howard, and Ed Byrne are joined by a roster of new guests, ensuring the show's signature blend of wit and satire continues to thrive.
Mock The Week is currently available for viewing on TLC, offering audiences a fresh platform for political and cultural comedy.
