Jason Manford hosted the Royal Variety Performance on Sunday night, but the comedian was branded ‘unfunny’ by some viewers
Jason Manford hit back on social media after Royal Variety Performance audiences lambasted him online following Sunday’s broadcast.
The 44-year-old Salford comedian presented the annual charitable spectacle, with the Prince and Princess of Wales amongst those enjoying the entertainment.
However, Jason appeared to split viewers with his material about social class, launching the evening with a gag about his children becoming middle class despite his working-class upbringing.
Opening the ITV programme, Jason declared: “I’ve created monsters,” before revealing his offspring had turned their noses up at warm ‘smashed avocado’, quipping that it was simply mushy peas from the local chippy.
Whilst his humour appeared to resonate with the royals – even earning a laugh from the Prince of Wales – home viewers proved far more scathing of the entertainer, reports the Mirror.
One critic posted on social media: “Can’t believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years #royalvariety.”
Another chimed in: “Nice enough bloke but he ain’t that funny. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”
A third viewer unleashed: “You complete ****hole! 99% of Uk can’t stand u! !” But Jason refused to accept the hostility, responding to the unhinged remark: “Merry Christmas mate.”
Refusing to back down, the viewer retorted: “You jumped up halibut! You’re a pauper in most eyes!” Jason fired back: “And a Happy New Year xx”
Another viewer, who remained anonymous due to a lack of profile picture, remarked: “It would be better if he did not shout so much.” To which Jason retorted: “It’s a big room sweetie.”
One comment suggested that Jason might be in the running for the Strictly gig, prompting Jason to quip: “Funnily no one has called, unless it’s a surprise to me too.”
Unaware of the jest, another viewer responded: “No one will either.” Jason didn’t hold back, snapping: “That was the joke f*** face.”
When a fan praised Jason for “smashing it”, a less impressed viewer countered: “We must be watching different shows,” leading Jason to suggest: “Maybe you’re just not in the mood.”
Despite the critics, there were plenty of compliments for Jason’s hosting prowess. One viewer enthused: “You’re brilliant on Royal Variety! Definitely need to host again next year!” Some even confessed to developing a crush, with one admirer posting: “How good does @JasonManford look! ! ! I mean DAMMN the crush I have on him wasn’t on the bingo card for 2025 #RoyalVarietyPerformance”.
The event, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in November and broadcasted on Sunday, raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity. The charity provides support for entertainers and their families who are facing hardship and poverty.
This year’s show saw Westlife, donned in matching black suits and bowties, perform their hit ‘World Of Our Own’ ahead of their upcoming tour. This was followed by a special performance from the Live Aid musical ‘Just For One Day’, with Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure making an appearance to narrate the story.
Stephen Fry graced the stage as Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest, while Jessie J delivered a heartfelt rendition of her song ‘I’ll Never Know Why’. In other highlights, Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding showcased a trick with the help of audience members, and Strictly’s Johannes Radebe led a performance from the musical Kinky Boots.
The evening also featured impressionists mimicking political leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, with Jason participating in a panto section. The show culminated in a grand Les Misérables performance, marking the show’s 40th anniversary with 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly.
The Royal Variety Performance is on ITVX
