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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Vicki Newman & Kirstie McCrum

Line of Duty parody of Boris Johnson being interrogated by AC-12 goes viral

A spoof clip of the stars of police drama Line of Duty interrogating the Prime Minister over Downing Street parties in lockdown has gone viral online.

Boris Johnson is seen being grilled by the AC-12 team in a hilarious parody that's been given the thumbs up by the creator of the hit BBC One programme.

In the clip, the Prime Minister is seated in the interrogation room well-known to fans.

He is facing DI Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) and DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) in the four-minute video, reports MirrorOnline.

It makes capital out of the recent backlash against the Conservatives after it emerged that Downing Street staff held a string of parties and get togethers while the nation was under strict lockdown.

Mr Johnson has even apologised to the Queen, saying he "deeply and bitterly" regretted breaching the rules imposed by his own Government.

Now one genius Line of Duty fan has put the PM head-to-head in interrogation with the no-nonsense AC-12 team.

Viewed more than five million times online, the clip begins with the now-familiar interminable beep from the recorder.

The anti-corruption police officers from the hit BBC drama start by showing Mr Johnson the leaked letter inviting Downing Street staff to "make the most of the lovely weather" with some "socially-distanced drinks" in the garden.

The parody is very convincing, with even the Line Of Duty creator praising it (Twitter/LedByDonkeys)

A clip of the PM is super-imposed into the interrogation room, showing him laughing and mumbling as he says it's a matter for investigation by Sue Gray.

"We've investigated it," Supt Hastings says. "And the facts are plain for everyone to see."

DI Arnott takes over, saying: "On May 20th 2020 the whole country was in lockdown."

DI Fleming chips in: "Only an hour before the party began, Oliver Dowden, your Culture Secretary, made a statement reminding the public of Covid regulations."

They pointed out that people were only permitted to meet with one other person outdoors at the time and that social-distancing had to be adhered to.

Supt Ted Hastings comes up against the PM in the clip (Twitter/LedByDonkeys)

Hastings says: "Sir, a gathering like the one described in LBD-1 [the email] would have been a breach of the Health Protection Regulations in operation at the time. As well you know."

Mr Johnson is seen saying in response: "All the evidence I can see if that people have stayed within the rules. If that turns out not to be the case and people wish to bring allegations to my attention or to the police or whoever then of course there will be a proper sanction."

He's then asked bluntly if he breached regulations.

Mr Johnson is shown saying: "All that, as you know is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Gray."

The clip continues to show the trio quizzing the PM about the parties, and staff being told to bring their own booze, as his apology was heard.

The clip was shared on Twitter by an account called Led By Donkeys and left people in awe.

It was also posted by Line of Duty creator Jed Mecurio, who said it was "brilliant work".

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