Channel 4 comedy The Last Leg turned awkward as one comedian faced off against Penny Mordaunt in a heated row.
The former Conservative politician joined anchor Adam Hills and co-hosts Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe for a segment on Friday night’s show.
Also in the studio was Belfast-born comedian Vittorio Angelone, who accused Mordaunt, 53, of ‘war mongering.’
As the fiery exchange began, Angelone, 30, began: ‘Penny has always been such a supporter of disabled people.’
Describing her as ‘very supportive’ of the prosthetics industry, he went on to reference her allegedly ‘supporting’ a Saudi Arabia arms fair on social media.
And, as the hosting trio looked on, increasingly mortified, Angelone’s takedown only got more brutal from there.
Mockingly asserting that he was ‘on her side,’ Angelone went on to note that ‘war mongering has always been a male-dominated industry.
‘You’ve really smashed the glass ceiling,’ he finished.
On the occasion that she did manage to interject, Mordaunt only managed to make things worse for herself, calling Angelone ‘sweetheart’ – which he described as a ‘condescending’ move.
As Brooker pulled his sweater up over his face in a show of mock-embarrassment, Mordaunt attempted to defend herself.
‘I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to some other women who put their lives on the line,’ she said, invoking those who would defend the comedian’s ability to ‘make jokes about the government’ and ‘enjoy the freedoms that we do in this country.’
Having none of it, the comedian quipped: ‘It’s a tough sell to a guy from Belfast.’
With that, Hills finally managed to move the show on, bringing out their mystery guest before cutting to the advert break.
‘We are so short for time,’ he said of Angelone and Mordaunt’s diversion. ‘And possibly a fight’s going to break out.’
Fellow guest Jamali Maddix wasn’t the only one enjoying the unfolding drama.
Commenting on X, Flowerbomb212 described Mordaunt’s appearance on the show as her ‘getting cooked,’ while NadsMads3791 called it ‘the most amazing bit of TV EVER!!!’
Describing how the politician had been ‘absolutely skewered,’ Mafffff joined a chorus of voices who rejoiced in her palpable discomfort.
So too, did Taskmaster star Maddix, who joked: ‘I’m so glad I’m sitting here’ as Mordaunt shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
However, not everyone saw the funny side, with Joc7376 describing Angelone as an ‘unfunny Irish comedian.’
‘Comedy is supposed to be funny,’ complained Tartannancy.
Angelone’s confrontation came weeks after Mordaunt shared a series of videos and pictures to her X account, from the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia.
‘Many congratulations to all the UK companies who exhibited at the World Defence Show,’ she wrote in the accompanying caption.
This appears to be the tweet which spurred the comedian’s devastating attack.
The Last Leg returns to Channel 4 and 4oD at 10:00pm on Friday.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
