Where's 'hot podium guy'? Social media users despair as man who melted hearts from steps of Downing Street while carrying a lectern is nowhere to be seen
His appearances outside Downing Street on big political occasions have left fans swooning, but social media users despaired today as 'hot podium guy' was nowhere to be seen.
Tobias Gough - who is more commonly known by his Internet moniker - first melted hearts with his 'sexy' swagger when he set up the lectern for Liz Truss' exit speech, before returning again when Rishi Sunak called a snap election.
Hopes grew that he would make a reappearance as Mr Sunak prepared to deliver his own final farewell this morning, only for two other workmen to appear in his place.
Gough threw admirers into a frenzy when he placed the Downing Street lectern and did a sound check during Liz Truss's departure in October 2022.
The simple act - so crucial in speech scenarios - meant Ms Truss was able to make her leaving remarks and depart No 10 for good.
Tobias Gough, in his early 40s, sets up the podium for Liz Truss' exit speech in 2022
Hopes grew that he would make a reappearance as Mr Sunak prepared to deliver his own final farewell this morning, only for two other workmen to appear in his place
Excitement grew this morning about his possible reappearance.
'Well well well you know what this means... hot podium guy will be showing up,' wrote X user Anna Thurman.
'Looking forward to seeing hot podium guy later,' a second added.
But early anticipation quickly turned to despair when a different team arrived to set up Mr Sunak's podium in the run-up to his speech, prompting Seán Seosamh to ask: 'Where's Tobias?'
Other X users were similarly let down, with one writing: 'This is not the hot podium guy the public demanded.'
In 2019, Mr Gough revealed his surprise at the attention he had received, telling MailOnline at the time that he 'isn't model material'.
He said: 'I have to say it was great lighting to make me look that good, the sun must have been at the right angle.
'I can assure people that I don't usually look as well as that - I won't be going into the modelling business just yet.
'I'm 36 so I think my best days may be well behind me.
'But it's been very funny reading all the comments on social media.
The hunky 'hot podium guy' sets social media ablaze every time he is seen on the nation's screens
Excitement grew this morning about his possible reappearance. But early anticipation quickly turned to despair
Mr Gough married wife Tina just two weeks before the chaos of the pandemic in May 2019, in a quiet ceremony in Scotland.
At the time, he said: 'I've not spoken to her yet and I'm wondering what reaction I'm going to get but she's messaged and taken in it all in good spirits.'
Meanwhile, Wife Tina contacted MailOnline in May 2019 to shut down the hopes of his many admirers on social media, to say: 'He's my husband!'.
In July 2022, Mr Gough confirmed to MailOnline that the couple are still happily married.
Flanked by clearly emotional wife Akshata, the PM delivered his parting statement as he prepares to head for Buckingham Palace where he will formally tender his resignation to the King
