ITV viewers tuning into The Royal Variety Performance were left feeling “sorry” for King Charles, as they branded this year’s show as “rubbish”.
The annual variety programme, which raises funds for The Royal Variety Charity, of which King Charles III is a life patron, delivered another action-packed show on Sunday night (December 15). Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, the presenters, kept audiences amused with their funny stories and engaging hosting style.
This year’s performance featured stars such as Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, Elton John, and the cast of Starlight Express, among others. However, despite the award-winning acts on stage, viewers at home were not feeling this year’s show and appeared to have sympathy for King Charles.
Viewers took to social media site X to share their thoughts on this year’s show. One viewer commented, “The ONE time I have ever felt sorry for King Charlie… Imagine having to sit through this dross and pretend to laugh. I have seen two minutes and am turning over. Dire!” (sic)
Another viewer remarked: “How can the Royal family sit through this rubbish, I would have pulled a sticky.” (sic)
A third added: “You really have to feel sorry for those members of the royal family who pick the short straw when deciding whose turn it is to go to the #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” (sic)
A fourth viewer chimed in with a cheeky comment about The Royal Variety Performance, quipping: “#RoyalVarietyPerformance is the only time that I ever feel sorry for the Royal Family?” (sic)
However, emotions were stirred among some audience members as a poignant nod to the late Liam Payne was briefly featured in the show, reports the Mirror.
Prior to hitting the stage, hosts Alan and Amanda shared their thoughts when posed with a question by The Royal Variety Performance crew regarding their feelings about presenting this year’s event.
Alan exclaimed: “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.”
Amanda, equally enthusiastic, declared: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. 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!”
She also reflected on her Britain’s Got Talent experience, stating: “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.”
The Royal Variety Performance is available to watch on ITVX.