Dancing on Ice star Rufus Hound praised for ‘calling out’ government over free school meals scandal

'We live in a world where people we elect don't want to feed hungry children,' said the comedian

Comedian Rufus Hound has been praised for criticising the government over the free school meals scandal while appearing on Dancing on Ice.

Hound, 41, is one of the contestants on the current series of the hit ITV dance show, and received the judges’ first “golden ticket” during last night’s premiere, sending him through to round two.

“I've spent most of this year being emotionally not stable,” said Hound, as he was awarded the prize. “I don't know what's happening... I'll keep trying.”

Speaking to presenter Phillip Schofield, he remarked: “Mate, we live in a world where people we elect don't want to feed hungry children, so this is the least mad thing that's happened to me in a long time!”

Last year, Boris Johnson’s conservative government was widely criticised for voting against a proposal to extend the free school meals scheme over the holidays, which was campaigned for by England footballer Marcus Rashford.

They later U-turned and approved the idea, though scandal reared its head again this month as pictures of paltry school food parcels – supposedly valued at £30, but with an estimated cost of nearer £5 – went viral on social media. 

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer argued that the meals, branded “disgraceful” by Johnson, were in fact in compliance with the government’s own guidelines. “[Johnson] blames others, but this is on his watch,” he said.

According to a tweet from Rashford posted after speaking to the PM, a “full review of the supply chain” is set to take place.  

“Just had a good conversation with the prime minister,” he wrote. “He has assured me that he is committed to correcting the issue with the food hampers and that a full review of the supply chain is taking place. He agrees that images of hampers being shared on Twitter are unacceptable.”

People reacted positively to Hound’s mention of the scandal on Dancing on Ice, with one viewer commenting on Twitter: “Rufus Hound calling out Boris Johnson on live national TV. I'm here for it.”

“The way Rufus Hound just called out our government for not feeding hungry children, this man has won already,” wrote another.

Dancing on Ice continues on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.