THE SUN (London, UK) 15 December 06 Snake stunt condemned
Photo at URL below: Leather boa ... Jonathan Ross, Matt Willis and Nigel Marvin struggle to control 26ft python
A stunt in which a python got loose at the British Comedy Awards was condemned as “madness” last night.
The 26ft snake caused chaos as it slithered out of its handlers’ grasp.
Telly wildlife expert Nigel Marvin brought the snake on stage to greet Matt Willis — I’m A Celebrity’s King of the Jungle — who was presenting a gong.
But even though Nigel was joined by two handlers, the beast wriggled free.
The audience gasped as the python headed for I’m A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec, who were sitting at a table in front of the podium.
Graham Norton and Myleene Klass — who is to help host the X Factor final tomorrow night — were among the stars in the audience who looked stunned as the snake moved closer.
Eventually Matt and host Jonathan Ross helped restrain the python.
But last night reptile expert Iain Newby said: “The snake seemed to be distressed. It was a reticulated python, and if they bite someone they wrap around them immediately.
“They are half blind and they attack any heat source like a hand. They are one of the more aggressive pythons. It is madness that a snake that size should be used on a comedy show.”
One guest at the do said: “Ant and Dec were hysterical — they’d just landed from Australia and didn’t think they’d be back in the jungle so soon.”
An ITV spokeswoman said the snake reacted badly to the heat of the studio lights. She added: “A vet was consulted beforehand and agreed the situation was safe.” The RSPCA is now investigating to the incident during Wednesday’s show.
A spokesman said: “We are strongly opposed to the use of animals for any entertainment where any distress or suffering is likely to be caused.”
Dec partied at the awards until the early hours — and revealed he plans to see Sky Sports presenter Diana Stewart again. He said: “I’ve only seen her once but I really like her so we’ll see what happens.”
Snake stunt condemned

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