The Top Gear crew could not resist a dig at Dominic Cummings as they kicked off their new series on Sunday night.
Presenters Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris joked about the prime minister’s aide’s 260-mile trip to his parents’ house in Durham during lockdown as they put a new car to the test on the BBC motoring show.
“Now, there’s a new top of the range Ferrari out and frankly, there was only one person for the job,” Paddy began “Someone who just loves driving. Someone who will stop at nothing to get behind the wheel...
“Sadly, Dominic Cummings wasn’t available… so we sent Chris Harris instead.”
Paddy then asked Chris: “How’s your eyesight? Is it alright?”
Earlier this year, there was a national outcry when it was revealed Cummings had driven from his London home to Durham during the height of the national lockdown.
In a press conference in March, Cummings argued that his journey to Durham in March was justified as he sought to protect his family’s health.
He also claimed his subsequent drive to Barnard Castle was to test his eyesight after it was affected by Covid-19.
Despite continued public unrest, the government backed Cummings, with prime minister Boris Johnson refusing to fire his senior aide.
Top Gear continues next Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.