David Cameron will apear on the Late Show with David Letterman tonight. File picture: Ben Stansall/PA Wire

Video: Will David Cameron emulate Boris Johnson’s success on Letterman?

Sarah Shaffi Wednesday, September 26, 2012
9:34 AM

David Cameron will be hoping to better his Tory party rival Boris Johnson when he appears on one of America’s best loved chat shows tonight.

Mr Cameron will become the first sitting Prime Minister to appear on an American chat show when he goes on the Late Show with David Letterman.

The Prime Minister will be hoping to be as successful as London Mayor Mr Johnson was when he appeared on the programme earlier this year during a tour of America to promote his book.

During his appearance Mr Johnson spoke about the investment in London’s transport system, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his hair.

Speaking to the chat show host Mr Johnson said: “We’ve restored to the streets of London the hop on hop off bus. Do you remember, you could get drunk and fall over backwards? That was banned in the name of health and safety and we’ve now restored that.”

When questioned about whether he would ban giant sodas, the way New York did earlier this year, Mr Johnson got a laugh from the audience when he said: “As a city we are not quite as fat as [New York], not yet.”

Mr Letterman also questioned the mayor about the Boris Bikes scheme, and asked him how long he had been cutting his own hair for. Mr Johnson said: “I think that was a low blow. I was beginning to think I’d got through this more or less unscathed.”

The Late Show with David Letterman has attracted political guests including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who appeared after his term had ended, and American President Barack Obama, who has appeared a number of times.

Other guests on Letterman tonight alongside Mr Cameron are actor Jonny Lee Miller and band Mumford and Sons.