BBC star Chris Packham makes blistering dig at Matt Hancock over London Marathon 2024-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

BBC presenter Chris Packham despaired after Matt Hancock spoke ahead of the London Marathon.

Chris, 62, held his head in his hands after the MP, 45, discussed in a video message how much he ‘loved’ the ‘real spirit’ of the annual running event on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

But after the former I’m A Celebrity star’s message, the Springwatch presenterheld his head in his hands and explained his reaction was due to Hancock’s ‘lack of insincerity.’

It is unclear if Chris intended to say ‘lack of sincerity’ or was cringing over Hancock’s earnestness.

Many viewers on X agreed with Chris’ response and said he was reacting on ‘behalf of the entire nation.’

@SoozUK was among those empathising with Chris and quipped in reference to Succession: ‘Chris Packham reacting to Matt Hancock’s Kendall Roy energy is all of us today on #bbclaurak.’

Echoing their sentiment, @castleDD sighed: ‘We all felt like Chris Packham today, listening to Matt Hancock on #bbclaurak.’

Chris Packham did not have time for Matt Hancock’s London Marathon message (Picture: BBC)

Hancock said he ‘loved’ the ‘real spirit’ of the London Marathon (Picture: BBC)

He hit out at Hancock’s ‘lack of insincerity’ (Picture: BBC)

@Tush27J also said: ‘National Treasure Chris Packham with head in hands when he sees Matt Hancock’s waffling. We know how you feel Chris. We feel your pain.’

As thousands of runners embarked upon the London Marathon today, Laura spoke to some public figures, including Hancock, participating in the event via video link

He said: ‘I love the marathon. I love the crowds; the sense of excitement. And I love all the runners running for a good cause.

‘In my case, I’m running for the Accessible Learning Foundation, a brilliant neurodiversity charity.

‘Everyone has got their cause they’re running for so there’s this real, real spirit. ‘

Back in the studio, Chris had his head in his hands, causing the other guests and Laura to burst into laughter.

‘Sorry,’ Chris said when he realised the moment was caught on camera.

About his reaction, Laura said: ‘I’ve got to ask why?’

Chris replied: ‘It was just Matt’s lack of insincerity.’

Chris made the comments while appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (Picture: BBC)

Laura asked Chris to explain his reaction to Hancock’s message (Picture: BBC)

Hancock is one of dozens of public figures who are running a 26.2-mile (42.2km) footrace through the capital.

Luther star Ruth Wilson, Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston, and comedian Romesh Ranganathan are some high-profile names attempting the race.

This year, Alexander Mutiso Munyao finished in first place to win the 2024 London Marathon in the men’s elite race.

The Kenyan surged over the the finishing line with a time of two hours, four minutes and one second to finish ahead of second-placed Kenenisa Bekele.

In the women’s elite race, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir finished first with a women’s only word record of two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds.

Second-place Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei in third completed the podium, having also finished inside the previous record time previously set by Mary Jepkosgei Keitany in London in 2017.

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Sundays from 9am.

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