Royal Variety Performance viewers slam Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s ‘awkward’ opener with ‘woke’ jokes

ROYALTY Variety Performance viewers have been left unimpressed with Amanda Holden and Alan Carr’s hosting abilities.

The pair have taken over from Bradley Walsh and kicked start the show, which aired tonight, with a series of jokes.

But those watching at home have branded their efforts ‘awkward’ and questioned why they were picked for such an honour.

One person raged: “Well, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are absolutely dreadful. This opening is so awkward.”

A second said:  “We have hit rock bottom I see @ITV with the #RoyalVarietyPerformance Carr  and Holden??? Just not funny. Why are they presenting.”

While a third asked: “How painful is this?”

Alan kicked off by poking fun of Amanda's typically daring outfits, telling her: "You look fabulous, just on the right side of an Ofcom complaint."

He went on: "I feel a great sense of comfort and security sharing a stage with you, well it’s a high profile event and if Just Stop Oil come at the stage, I can use you as my human shield."

Amanda quipped: "Well, good luck to them because I will end up being their first victim who ends up less orange."

As they continued Alan mused: "I think the main reason they chose us to host this evening is because we tick two big boxes. I’m gay and your…"

Looking shocked, Amanda asked him: "Old?"

He replied: "I was going to say a woman, but now you mention it, you are very old."

Amanda retorted: "I’m only five years old than you."

But he told her: "That’s the thing, I work in gay years. Five years is actually 35 years, in fact in our world, I am afraid I have got bad news for you – you’ve just lost your winter heating allowance."

Filming took place back in November at the Royal Albert Hall in London in the presence of King Charles.

Queen Camilla was unable to attend after falling ill.