Paddy McGuinness told how his father was forced to pull out his own teeth after not being able to see a dentist.

The television presenter was among the panellists on Question Time which airs within minutes on BBC One.

Among the issues discussed included the dentistry recovery plan with an audience member asking "whether it is time to invest in a pair of pliers?".

 

Paddy shocked Fiona Bruce when he told how his father had pulled his own teeth out.

He said: "My dad took his own teeth out because he couldn't get a dentist appointment.

"I know that first hand."

 

He added that NHS dentistry should not be about 'target based care' - meeting, missing or exceeding 'targets' - but about care.

Under new plans dentists are to be offered cash to take on new patients and given £20,000 “golden hellos” to work in communities with a lack of NHS dental services under plans to boost dentistry across England.

Around a million people who have not seen a dentist for two or more years are expected to benefit as officials offer a “new patient payment” of £15 to £50.

One-off payments of £20,000 are to be awarded to 240 dentists for working in under-served communities for at least three years, according to the plans, which are expected to increase dental appointments across the country by 2.5 million next year.

But leading dentists said the recovery package will not be enough to help people struggling to access dental care.

Also on the show is Bury North MP James Daly, from who Paddy demanded to know why the country was still waiting "on the £350million a week Boris Johnson promised us' for the NHS following Brexit and asking why the' NHS is on its knees if it is here'.

Fiona pointed out there were record waiting lists.

Those who watched the programme on BBC iPlayer praised Paddy, who admitted he was a little nervous about going on the show - but did it because he cares.

One viewer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Who knew Paddy was this good with politics. Like him even more."

Another said: "Go Paddy, a bit of sense."

You can watch the programme on BBC iPlayer.