Alan Carr and Amanda Holden branded ‘dreadful’ by Royal Variety Performance viewers
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Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have faced backlash for their uncomfortable opening interaction during the Royal Variety Performance.
This year's fundraising event was broadcast on ITV on Sunday, December 15, but it was recorded in November at the Royal Albert Hall, where King Charles III was present.
The 2024 version of the yearly event showcased performances by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sydnie Christmas, James Bay, Stephen Mulhern, and the Starlight Express cast, along with many more artists.
That evening, Holden and Carr were assigned to co-host the event. At 53 years old, Holden kicked things off by joking that they resembled a "letdown from Love Island." Carr responded humorously, saying her dress was "just this side of what could get an Ofcom complaint," playfully commenting on Holden's well-known penchant for daring fashion choices.
Carr then cracked a joke about the possibility of Just Stop Oil rushing onto the stage, saying that he would use his co-host as a “human shield” if the environmental activist group attempted to splash them with their iconic orange paint. Holden humorously remarked that it would actually make her look less orange.
Even though it happened just in the first few minutes of the show, the uncomfortable exchanges between Holden and Carr were overwhelming for some viewers.
"Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are hosting The Royal Variety Performance! Who decided to pick these two for the job? I only made it through 15 minutes," shared one frustrated viewer.
"Holden and Carr. How tough is this?" questioned another viewer.
A third commenter expressed their disappointment by saying, “What a cringe-worthy and terrible beginning to the #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”
"Honestly, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are just terrible. This introduction feels incredibly uncomfortable," another person agreed.
The people present seemed to enjoy themselves, as the King was seen laughing at a joke about Donald Trump.
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Comedian Matt Forde brought up the baseless statements that Trump made during his presidential debate with Democrat candidate Kamala Harris earlier this year. He claimed that illegal immigrants from Haiti were supposedly consuming pets belonging to local residents in the small city of Springfield, Ohio.
Forde shouted in the voice of the president-elect, "They’re consuming the cats and dogs."
He then faced Charles from the stage and, imitating Trump's voice, said, "Your Majesty King Charles, you share a name with a spaniel – watch out, they can really take you down."
The King was spotted chuckling after hearing the joke from the royal balcony.
Sir Elton John and his spouse, David Furnish, showcased a performance from their latest production, The Devil Wears Prada, which draws inspiration from the 2006 Oscar-nominated movie. In this adaptation, Vanessa Williams takes on the role of the intimidating fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly.
The funds generated from the show will support individuals in the entertainment industry who require care and support. This year, the Royal Variety Charity is starting a program focused on helping those facing mental health challenges.
