the commentators' ignorance of a range of topics, though this feature no longer appeared in later years. With a light-hearted tone compared with most political programming, This Week was "punchy, irreverent, satirical". Originally, the former MP Michael Portillo was the regular Conservative commentator on the show, and the Labour Party commentator until 2010 was the sitting MP Diane Abbott. The two were ostensibly an "odd couple" coming from different sides of the political spectrum (albeit with a long-standing friendship dating back to when both attended grammar school in Harrow, even having appeared in a production of Macbeth together). During her unsuccessful campaign in 2010 to lead the Labour Party and her subsequent tenure as Shadow Minister for Public Health, Abbott began making only occasional appearances, her ability to speak without constraint becoming noticeable. Eventually, her place was taken by another Labour MP, in rotation each week, always a backbencher, most often Alan Johnson. After returning to the backbenches in 2013, Abbott appeared on a fortnightly basis, alternating with Johnson. Following her appointment to Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet in September 2015, she did not reappear, though the tradition of Labour MPs alternating in the spot continued. Though primarily a political discussion programme, This Week achieved notoriety for its humorous approach to current affairs. For example, during the 2005 General Election, the show's title sequence spoofed the recently re-released version of "Is This the Way to Amarillo" and its video featuring comedian Peter Kay. In 2011, following the announcement that the techno band Underworld were to perform at the opening ceremony for the London Summer Olympics, the show's ending credits featured Neil and his guests raving to the band's music. The clip subsequently went viral on YouTube, helping to increase the show's unconventional popularity amongst younger audiences. In 2006, the programme won the Hansard Society Award for Opening Up Politics which was awarded at the Channel 4 Political Awards ceremony. During the general election campaign of 2010, This Week was broadcast on Monday nights in addition to its usual Thursday night slot, with contributors including Sarah Teather, Lynne Featherstone, Caroline Flint and James Purnell and the late Charles Kennedy. Since 2013, Neil's golden retriever Miss Molly also frequently appeared on the show, often walking in front of the camera during shots or choosing to sleep next to guests. This Week was often spoofed on the BBC Radio 4 Comedy Show Dead Ringers,