Plumber who went viral after backing Boris on lockdown tells LBC of abuse he's received

15 May 2020, 11:24

Plumber who went viral after backing Boris on lockdown calls into LBC

By Adrian Sherling

The plumber who became a social media star for his no-nonsense response to Boris Johnson's lockdown announcement called LBC to talk about the abuse he received online afterwards.

He shot to prominence when he spoke to Channel 4 following the Prime Minister's broadcast about the changes to the lockdown rules.

He told them: "It's not really hard to understand. Be sensible in what you're doing and stay away - 2metres apart when you can - wear your PPE while you're at work.

"I'm not sure what you want? A full handbook to tell you what to do?"

That gave him huge popularity online - but also earned a lot of criticism - and he called LBC to reveal the abuse he has received from the left-wing.

Ryan the plumber called in to LBC to speak to Nick Ferrari
Ryan the plumber called in to LBC to speak to Nick Ferrari. Picture: LBC

He told Nick Ferrari: "I have been getting a bit of grief, yeah, off a certain sector. They're calling me a thick plumber.

"I've been posted a picture of a doctor who sadly died with a message saying 'was he not being sensible? You're selfish.' But I was giving free call-outs to the NHS since 15th March. That's not selfish.

"They're portraying me like I'm this right-wing Brexit voter, certain political groups. I actually voted to Remain, but I just don't moan about the result.

"They're talking down to me like I'm some sort of idiot.

"I didn't sleep for a couple of days because of all the grief. I've never had anxiety before."

Ryan maintains the forthright views that made him so popular in the first place: "I don't know why we can't support our government in a time of crisis instead of ridiculing it.

"I wasn't making a political view. I was just saying that I clearly understand what Boris Johnson was saying.

"People just need to stop moaning. We live in the best country in the world. We're lucky to live where we live."

His whole interview is very entertaining - watch it in full at the top of the page.

Listen & subscribe: Global Player | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Nick Ferrari and caller Kevin don't see eye to eye in benefits debate

Nick Ferrari and caller Kevin don't see eye to eye in benefits debate

LBC reacts: King Charles will tell Macron there are 'no borders' between UK and France

LBC reacts: King Charles will tell Macron there are 'no borders' between UK and France

LBC callers are divided over proposed wealth tax

‘Preposterous’: LBC callers are divided over proposed wealth tax

Nick Ferrari

‘Lessons haven’t been learned’ following 7/7 London bombings

A new 'Labour' party, Nigel Farage, and shoplifting | LBC's best callers of the week

A new 'Labour' party, Nigel Farage, and shoplifting | LBC's best callers of the week

"What's the risk?" LBC caller Steve wants to give a new party a chance

"What's the risk?" LBC caller Steve wants to give a new party a chance

Nigel Farage takes your calls

Nigel Farage takes your calls with Nick Ferrari

Nick Ferrari caller

Caller Mark says the government has ‘destroyed’ the Labour Party

Caller Comp

LBC Callers react to Glastonbury IDF controversy

Nick Ferrari callers debate

Nick Ferrari callers go head-to-head over pro-Palestine protests

Nick Ferrari caller

Caller Martyn says the UK needs a ‘Trump-style figure’ in power

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed a vote on 'progressive' welfare reforms will take place on Tuesday.

Nick Ferrari struggles to keep a lid on the conversation with caller Craig about benefit claimants

Call the Commissioner

Call The Commissioner with Sir Mark Rowley

Nick Ferrari and caller Eve

Nick Ferrari and caller Eve go back and forth over the Middle East conflict

LBC caller Paula drives home the impact of PIP benefit cuts

LBC caller Paula drives home the impact of disability benefit cuts

'Iran has a democratic candidate, unlike Iraq...'

Iraqi caller explains why Iran-Iraq comparisons fall short