Election viewers praise Emily Maitlis for hilariously distancing Nadine Dorries

Viewers covering the general election results praised presenter Emily Maitlis for her hilarious “tour” of former Conservative MP Nadine Dorries during Channel 4’s coverage.

Were News tonight The presenter argued with Dorries on numerous occasions, repeatedly called her names and at times appeared to have trouble controlling her facial expressions.

At one point, the former Dorries cabinet minister claimed the Conservatives were losing votes because Conservative leader Rishi Sunak had backed away from policies such as the Windsor Framework.

“The Winnsor Framework was in fact his policy,” replied a surprised Maitlis.

In another appearance, Maitlis could barely conceal her contempt when Dorries refused to answer a question about whether former prime minister Boris Johnson could return as an MP following the Tory landslide defeat.

“Emily Maitlis has lost all patience with Nadine Dorries and I’m alive,” an amused viewer tweeted, cutting off the presenter’s irritated expression. “Live on Channel 4: Emily Maitlis ponders whether it’s worth risking her entire broadcasting career to strangle Nadine Dorries live on air,” another commented.

Dorries, who was previously Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has long been known for her fierce support for Boris Johnson.

Maitlis was also praised for challenging her on the matter, saying: “You’re funny, let’s be honest. You call David Cameron a posh lad, but Boris Johnson went to exactly the same school and had exactly the same upbringing, (and) it’s absolutely fine,” and adding: “They’re all very privileged people, but somehow you pick the one you love.”

Dorries claimed Johnson “had no money growing up” and “knows what it’s like to live in difficult circumstances”, but was quickly shut down by the other Channel 4 panellists.

Overall, reaction on social media indicated that Maitlis was the winner.

“I’m really fascinated by Emily Maitlis, who makes films with Nadine Dorries,” reads one comment.

“Emily Maitlis is AMAZING I must say, alongside the incredibly grumpy Nadine Dorries. Really funny to watch,” said another, while one viewer said they were “glued to Emily Maitlis blatantly crucifying the incredibly funny Nadine Dorries.”

Some even felt the illustrious presenter represented the country by clashing with Dorries: “Emily Maitlis is basically all of us Nadine Dorries and her blatant lies on Channel 4 tonight.”