He was once described by a ministerial colleague as having “something of the night about him”. Now Michael Howard, the former Tory leader, has sought to cast off his sinister mantle by taking part in a game show on peak-time television.

Howard and his wife Sandra will give millions of viewers a glimpse into their private lives later this month by appearing as contestants on ITV’s revival of Mr & Mrs.

In a series of jarring confessions, Howard, 66, claims he is a better kisser and more likely to hold his drink than his wife; discusses his nocturnal trips to the lavatory; and admits to crying during Sleepless in Seattle, the romantic comedy.

Howard, who made way for David Cameron, also narrowly escapes having to do an Elvis impersonation, although Sandra, 67, points out that his gyrating hips are his “strong point”.

The couple agreed to appear on the programme, to be broadcast on ITV1 on May 24, after Jeffrey Archer, the disgraced Tory peer and novelist, and his wife Mary pulled out because of other commitments. The Howards are believed to have been paid a fee for taking part, although the chance to win at least £5,000 for charity sealed their appearance.

Testing couples’ knowledge of one another, Mr & Mrs ran for more than 20 years during the 1970s and 1980s. ITV decided to revive the format earlier this year, renaming the show All Star Mr & Mrs and using celebrities. It is presented by Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton.

Despite being married for 33 years, the Howards were beaten into second place by Heidi Range, a member of the Sugababes, and Dave Berry, an MTV presenter, who have been together for only four years. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the home interiors presenter, and his wife Jackie also took part in the same episode.

During a soft-focus clip of the Howards at home, Sandra, a former model and writer, says of her husband: “Michael’s my whole world, really. He’s always been there and is wonderful to me.” His response is: “I feel Sandra’s part of me. I think I’m one of the luckiest people in the world to find her.” Back in the studio, Sandra enters a sound-proofed booth while innuendo-laden questions are fired at her husband.

Britton asks the former home secretary: “Ann Widdecombe famously said there’s something of the night about you, but which of these is most likely to rouse you in the night?”

Faced with four possibilities, Howard opts for “getting up because I need a wee” – and his wife duly second guesses him.

Popping the marriage questions

Who has the ugliest toes? Michael: me Sandra: me

Who has the worst manners? Michael: me Sandra: him

Who is the best kisser? Michael: me Sandra: him

Who holds their drink best? Michael: me Sandra: me

Who is the most honest? Michael: her Sandra: him

Who is the boss? Michael: her Sandra: him

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