Jason Manford is hosting the annual event on ITV this year.
ITV viewers were left saying the same thing just minutes into tonight’s Royal Variety Performance.
The annual spectacle is airing on ITV tonight, hosted by Jason Manford and featuring snippets from the likes of Paddington The Musical, Westlife and Johannes Radebe.
However, comedian Jason’s opening jokes divided viewers, as he took aim at his brother and “posh” kids with cheeky swipes.
At one point, he joked about his children wanting “crudités” at a picnic, and laughing at houses “stuck together”.
Some viewers weren’t too impressed, with one writing: “That wasn’t particularly funny #JasonManford, didn’t do your brother any favours.”
Elsewhere, some show watchers thought the opening act took too long as they wanted to watch the rest of the Royal Variety Performance acts.
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One person said: “Is he gonna get on with the show or what,” while another wrote: “24 minutes in and only one act so far, it’s gonna be a long night.”
Someone else added: “Jason on too long. Should be a musical act to kick the show off surely.”
However, some viewers shared their support for Jason, as one said: “I like Jason Manford. He’s a good host. #royalvarietyperformance.”
To which another added: “@JasonManford Smashed the opening bit x” while a different viewer put: “@JasonManford Fabulous start to the show.”
In an Instagram post earlier tonight, Jason spoke about how much of a “privilege” it was to host the show.
“Some great, great acts, it’s a really brilliant show, and I’m chuffed to bits to have been part of it,” he said.
“I reckon, while you’re sat wrapping presents and whatnot, you can have it on in the background and every so often look up and see us messing around.”
He added that his “celebration of pantomime” song comes in the second half, featuring legends like Lesley Joseph and Sue Pollard.
“It’s really good fun and I hope you love it as much as we did making it.”
One fan replied: “On it! And thanks for cheering us up Jason.”
Another wrote: “Been looking forward to watching all day xx.”
A third added: “As if I would forget Looking forward to it x.”
The Royal Variety Performance is airing on ITV1.
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