Andy Burnham's 'Clang of Anxiety' Over Salsa Dance for MND Charity
Newly unearthed footage shows the mayor performing a 'wooden' salsa to Livin' La Vida Loca, a dance he now associates with anxiety.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, recently revealed his apprehension about a salsa dance he performed in 2024 for a charity event supporting the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community. Footage from the event shows Burnham executing a dance to Ricky Martin's hit song "Livin' La Vida Loca" alongside professional dancer Cara Tighe. The performance took place at a fundraiser dedicated to supporting those affected by MND, following the passing of rugby league player Rob Burrow, who had the disease.
Burnham's discomfort with the performance came to light when he appeared on the Channel 4 reality show "Celebrity Gogglebox" as part of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign. He admitted to experiencing a "clang of anxiety" whenever he hears the song, particularly after witnessing a salsa dance on "Strictly Come Dancing" by fellow celebrities. "Honestly, never, ever again," Burnham stated regarding future dance performances.
Despite his dancing misgivings, Burnham shared his choice of song should he ever be invited to participate in "Strictly Come Dancing": "Sit Down" by the Manchester band James. He felt this song, deeply connected to the city's music scene, would be a fitting choice for a "Manchester icon."
Burnham appeared on "Celebrity Gogglebox" alongside Steve Rotherham, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, from Downing Street. The pair reacted to emotional stories about cancer diagnoses and research progress. Burnham expressed devastation for affected families but highlighted the hope offered by ongoing research into various cancers. His appearance on the show marked the first time a Prime Minister has participated.
Burnham defended his appearance on the TV show against criticism from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who questioned his use of time. Burnham stated he would "make no apology" for trying to "lead with a bit of lightness" and expressed pride in supporting Stand Up To Cancer, aiming to connect with people and encourage donations. Badenoch had previously raised concerns about the government's focus, suggesting that events like Burnham's "Gogglebox" appearance and discussions about stockpiling suggested a distraction from more critical national responsibilities.
Other political figures have also appeared on "Gogglebox" or its spin-offs, including Jeremy Corbyn, Stanley Johnson, Alastair Campbell, and Nigel Farage. Stand Up To Cancer is a collaborative fundraising initiative between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.