Amanda Holden and Alan Carr made their hosting debut on the Royal Variety Performance during Sunday night’s show, but fans weren’t impressed and called for a former presenter to return.

Alan Carr and Amanda Holden have received backlash for their performance as hosts at the Royal Variety (Image: ITV)

This year’s Royal Variety Performance got off to a rocky start, leaving viewers disgruntled and voicing their demands as Alan Carr and Amanda Holden made their hosting debut as a duo.

The Chatty Man comedian, who hosted solo in 2021, returned to the role with the Britain’s Got Talent judge making her debut but their opening sketch seemed to fall flat with the audience.

The event, which was pre-recorded last month and aired on Sunday, didn’t sit well with fans who took to X to express their discontent, the Mirror reports. One viewer starkly commented: “Amanda Holden, no thanks #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

Another chimed in with: “Dreadful presenters #RoyalVarietyPerformance,” while third critique read: “Well, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are absolutely dreadful. This opening is so awkward. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

Alan and Amanda welcomed the crowd to the Royal Variety Performance (Image: ITV)

The backlash prompted calls for the return of a past host. In 2023, Bradley Walsh had taken on the role, and many viewers are now nostalgic for his presence, some even labelling him as the “perfect” choice.

A tweet read: “Honestly, who thought Alan Carr and Amanda Holden were the right choice for this? They might be great at other things but the Royal Variety Performance needs presenters with the right balance of class and charisma. Bradley Walsh would have been perfect for the job.”

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Despite facing some backlash, Amanda was over the moon to have been involved, describing the occasion as “an honour”. Before the event, she shared her excitement: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year.

Fans called for 2023 host Bradley Walsh to be brought back (Image: ITV)
“I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job and Alan is a true friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night! I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family. This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it! “.

Adding to the positive vibes, Alan expressed his own thrill at being asked to return as host: “I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour!

“To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and tv wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me. If we have half as much fun as we did three years ago, well we are all in for a real treat.”

The regal affair, graced by King Charles III among other guests, saw standout performances from big names like Sophie Ellis-Bexter, the cast of The Devil Wears Prada, and the Change and Check Choir led by Marti Pellow under Lorraine Kelly’s guidance.

However, one comedian’s gag didn’t sit well with the audience, which they considered rather tasteless. Upon hobbling onto stage with a crutch, Matt Forde wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room.

He explained: “Thank you. Before I start, I’d like to explain why I need a walking stick. Just over a year ago, I had terrible nerve pain in my left leg, I went to get an MRI scan thinking the pain was caused by a slipped or a swollen disc. I got the results of that scan back, I was diagnosed with cancer.”

He continued light-heartedly about his post-diagnosis period, jesting: “I’m telling you this, mainly just to get you on side! Because I’m going to impersonate a few politicians now and if I insult one you like, just remember, I’ve been very brave.”

Nonetheless, viewers were not amused as he joked about his diagnosis, especially in the presence of the King – who himself was treated for cancer earlier in the year.