Yes, Prime Minister, it's a nightmare! How Boris Johnson's fictional predecessor Jim Hacker would have intervened to save Geronimo (based on a 1986 episode of the BBC comedy)

  • Boris Johnson may not save Geronimo, but the fictional Jim Hacker would have
  • A 1986 episode of Yes, Prime Minister sees PM Hacker spring to rescue of a dog
  • Hacker, played by Paul Eddington, enjoys press coverage after Benjy is saved
  • Cabinet Secretary Humphrey Appleby says it it will help his flagging popularity

By Brendan Carlin Political Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday

Published: | Updated:

Boris Johnson may not be willing to save Geronimo, but his fictional predecessor Jim Hacker would have intervened – if only for the favourable headlines.

At least, that's the message from a 1986 episode of the BBC comedy Yes, Prime Minister in which PM Hacker – played by Paul Eddington – springs to the rescue of a dog lost on a MoD artillery range.

Hacker basks in glowing press coverage after ordering the Army in to save Benjy the old English sheep dog, beloved pet of eight-year-orphan Linda.

Advised by wily Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby that it will boost his flagging popularity, Hacker jumps at the chance and is rewarded by newspapers saying 'a real heart beats inside No 10'. 

In a 1986 episode of the BBC comedy Yes, Prime Minister, Jim Hacker (pictured) – played by Paul Eddington – springs to the rescue of a dog lost on a MoD artillery range

In a 1986 episode of the BBC comedy Yes, Prime Minister, Jim Hacker (pictured) – played by Paul Eddington – springs to the rescue of a dog lost on a MoD artillery range

Hacker basks in glowing press coverage after ordering the Army in to save Benjy (pictured) the old English sheep dog, beloved pet of eight-year-orphan Linda

Hacker basks in glowing press coverage after ordering the Army in to save Benjy (pictured) the old English sheep dog, beloved pet of eight-year-orphan Linda

That's before Sir Humphrey, played by Nigel Hawthorne, tells him the operation has cost a cool £310,000.

Hacker only ordered the rescue after hearing pleas from his wife. Initially, he was irritated that the TV news covered the dog story and not his performance at Prime Minister's Questions. 

'Kids lose dogs every day,' he fumed, adding: 'The future defence of Britain was being fought out in the great forum of the nation and what do they give the viewers? A re-run of Lassie Come Home!'

So the lesson for Camp Geronimo? Get Carrie Johnson on side and the alpaca may live. 

BBCBoris Johnson

Most watched News videos