At this unprecedented time for government, civil servants have been receiving praise from across the political spectrum as departmental and agency staff step up in the coronavirus crisis to handle everything from business support schemes to a spike in Universal Credit claims.
But the chorus of support gained an unexpected voice on Thursday evening when pop star Peter Andre recorded a message for the country’s hidden army of mysterious girls (and boys) behind the scenes in government.
Andre chimed in via a message posted on the Civil Service LGBT Network's YouTube page, saying civil servants deserved unconditional support for their work behind closed doors during the Covid-19 outbreak. The star, whose biggest hits include number ones Mysterious Girl, Flava and I Feel You, said officials were performing a vital role.
Andre whose wife is a doctor, said: “You civil servants are doing so much. You're helping the public, you're helping the people on the front line, and all of this doesn't go unnoticed,” he said. “We just want to say that we're thinking about you. We think you're doing an awesome job. Please eat well, please sleep well, and thanks. It's very, very much appreciated.”
The vote of appreciation came after Andre, who has appeared on shows including I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing, praised the work of NHS staff, teachers, carers and “anyone in any position that is helping with the current crisis” in an interview on the Good Morning Britain television show.
We thank our nhs staff, teachers, carers, anyone in any position that is helping with the current crisis. Thank you @nhswebsite @piersmorgan @lorrainekellysmith @itv @gmb pic.twitter.com/d5pu9HPEKr
— Peter Andre (@MrPeterAndre) March 25, 2020
The praise for officals was noted by FDA union general secretary Dave Penman, who tweeted: “A sentence I never thought I’d say... Thank you @MrPeterAndre for your lovely message to civil servants, who I know will really appreciate it.”
A sentence I never thought I’d say...
Thank you @MrPeterAndre for your lovely message to civil servants, who I know will really appreciate it. https://t.co/euAlSp2CXW
— Dave Penman (@FDAGenSec) April 2, 2020