BBC Viewers Spot Andy Burnham's 'Stunt Double' Interpreting for PM
Online commentators noted a striking resemblance between a sign language interpreter and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
BBC viewers expressed surprise and amusement this week upon noticing a sign language interpreter on screen who bore a strong resemblance to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The interpreter, who was translating during a BBC News segment featuring an interview with the Prime Minister and political editor Chris Mason, shared several distinctive features with Burnham, including short black hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and dark eyebrows. He also wore a similar black suit and white shirt combination.
Commenters on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) quickly pointed out the similarity, with one user humorously remarking on the BBC's "impressive work from BBC News finding Andy Burnham’s sign-language stunt double." Others joined in the jest, with one quipping about the UK needing a "back up plan for being PM" and another joking about Burnham being upfront if he were to use a body double, unlike Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, the interpreter has been identified as Matthew Banks, a professional interpreter and lawyer. Banks grew up with two deaf parents and holds a law degree from the University of Cambridge, complemented by a Master's degree in British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting.
He spent two decades working as an advocate and full-time BSL interpreter before beginning a pupillage at Garden Court Chambers in London in 2023. Banks has also been involved in establishing the Deaf Legal Network, an initiative aimed at helping deaf individuals access legal services more effectively.
This is not the first time Mr Banks has been in the public eye. Several weeks prior, during another BBC News broadcast, he experienced a minor mishap where his glasses slipped off his face while he was enthusiastically signing a word. Unfazed, he removed them smoothly and continued his interpretation without interruption.
