Anti-Brexit activist Steve Bray trolled outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his allies in Parliament by playing the theme music from “The Benny Hill Show” over their live interviews — a move that appears to have been prompted by actor Hugh Grant.
Following news that Johnson planned to resign — which he later did — and the resignations of dozens in his cabinet, Johnson ally and MP Chris Philp attempted to evaluate the situation during an interview with Sky News. Bray, who is known for his unconventional musical protests outside the House of Commons, blasted the theme song over Philp’s interview.
INCREDIBLE SCENES
“THE BENNY HILL THEME TUNE” IS BEING BLASTED OUT ON SKY NEWS. pic.twitter.com/N06wBwcoZl
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) July 7, 2022
Steve Hilton, host of Fox News Channel’s “The Next Revolution,” thought the idea was spectacular — and suggested that someone play the same tune outside future events for President Joe Biden.
“Definitely think we need the Benny Hill theme tune played outside all Biden admin. events. Especially anything involving Janet Yellen, @KennedyNation?” he tweeted.
Definitely think we need the Benny Hill theme tune played outside all Biden admin. events. Especially anything involving Janet Yellen, @KennedyNation? https://t.co/OcFEI8ZL2S
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) July 7, 2022
Daily Telegraph Associate Editor Christopher Hope added, “This interview with its Benny Hill theme is so politically damaging. The Tories are a laughing stock.”
This interview with its Benny Hill theme is so politically damaging. The Tories are a laughing stock. https://t.co/2d1XtgQMJL
— Christopher Hope📝 (@christopherhope) July 7, 2022
“THE ‘BENNY HILL THEME TUNE’ HAS A NAME AND IT IS ‘YAKETY SAX.’ I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL,” Maggie Serota tweeted.
“Many things making my day today but I can’t stop enjoying Steve Bray pumping out the Benny Hill theme off his portable speakers during interviews,” Daniel Pemberton added.
“The Benny Hill music playing over Tory MPs doing interview on College Green is 100% on point,” Ian Dunt commented.
The Benny Hill music playing over Tory MPs doing interviews on College Green is 100% on point.
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) July 7, 2022
The inspiration behind Bray’s stunt appears to have come from an actor who once played Britain’s Prime Minister in a the film “Love, Actually”: Hugh Grant.
“Morning @snb19692 Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the Benny Hill music to hand?” the actor tweeted.
Morning @snb19692 Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the Benny Hill music to hand?
— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) July 7, 2022
Writer Lauren Ingram tweeted in response, “Hugh Grant was behind the Benny Hill theme tune being played on College Green while everyone tried to report on Boris’ resignation. Incredible.”
Aina J. Khan noted that the music was still playing when Johnson officially declared his resignation. “No wonder this was still blaring out loud when Boris Johnson was giving his resignation speech. Worthy of a political comedy starring @HackedOffHugh and @snb19692 methinks,” she said.
Daily Mail columnist Meghan McCain asked the question that may have been top of mind for a lot of “Love, Actually” fans: “When do they make Hugh Grant prime minister?”
When do they make Hugh Grant prime minister?
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 7, 2022