Former UK premier Boris Johnson 'fired' from TV show for promoting his book

LONDON

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was fired Tuesday from Channel 4's show on the US election for "banging on about his book," the program’s co-host said Wednesday.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy said Johnson was “fired” for promoting his book, Unleashed, as the former premier was told off for holding up his memoir and plugging it minutes into the live show, “America Decides: US Presidential Election,” The Guardian reported.

Johnson was told to "put it away" and "stop it, enough" as he referenced his new book multiple times and attempted to show viewers, following Guru-Murthy's reaction as he described Johnson's action as being "so cheap."

But Johnson said: "There’s absolutely nothing you can do to stop me … I’m allowed to plug my book."

Asked about following in Donald Trump’s footsteps with a political comeback if he was to win the election, Johnson said: "The answer is obviously contained in Unleashed where you’ll find the full discussion of this subject."

Co-host Emily Maitlis said: "We are not all going to read your book, so just tell us, do you want to have a political comeback … You can’t actually answer a single question."

Johnson replied: "I’ve answered all your questions all night. Currently I am blissfully engaged promoting my book Unleashed, available in all good book stores."

Johnson was later replaced on the panel.

Johnson served as prime minister from 2019 until he resigned in 2022.