Thursday, 7 November 2024

Hollywood Reporter: Channel 4 Kicks Ex-U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Out of Election Panel for Plugging Book

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Former U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson was “fired” from Channel 4‘s overnight election coverage after going on and on about his book, according to the program’s co-host.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who together with fellow broadcaster Emily Maitlis was presenting the U.S. election results show America Decides, introduced an updated panel of guests a little later into the night with the ex-Tory leader missing — and it wasn’t clear if his departure was planned.

Alongside a varied line-up, including Succession star Brian Cox, adult film actor Stormy Daniels and acclaimed pollster Frank Lutz, Johnson had said he had met with Republican Donald Trump following the July assassination attempt. He continued: “In case I failed to mention this, I am promoting my book Unleashed, and I had a talk with him about Ukraine.”

Newsreader Guru-Murthy told Johnson that holding up his book not even two minutes into the program was “so cheap” and told him to “put it away”. Johnson replied: “There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop me… I’m allowed to plug my book.”

Maitlis said: “We are not all going to read your book, so just tell us, do you want to have a political comeback?” Johnson replied: “By the way Emily I’ve answered all your questions all night. Currently, I am blissfully engaged promoting my book Unleashed, available in all good book stores.”

Later on in Channel 4‘s program, Johnson was replaced by former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. Guru-Murthy told viewers: “Boris Johnson has been fired for banging on about his book.” Unleashed was published in the U.K. last month.

In case you missed it, Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States on Wednesday, after the AP called Wisconsin and the election for the former president, ensuring a stunning political comeback and a return to the Oval Office.

By winning Wisconsin, Trump sailed over the 270 electoral votes he needed to clinch the presidency and victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, and a second non-consecutive term.

© 2024 The Hollywood Reporter.