Morris Minor Owners Club

As above, don't put the exhaust under tension.
You need to modify it's "natural position" by redoing the joint at the manifold with a piece of wood or something to ensure there is a gap where it leaves the engine compartment.

Cue Declan and his steadying bracket from the bellhousing!

Maybe he supported it in the natural position, rather than pulling or pushing it. Steadying suggests this.

Indeed.