The annual programme aired on BBC One
Catherine Tate introduced the evening broadcast(Image: BBC)
Comic Relief viewers issued the same complaint minutes into tonight’s broadcast. The annual Red Nose Day programme returned to the BBC this evening, but some viewers found themselves switching off after a few minutes.
Millions were expected to tune in to the show, which raises funds for Comic Relief to help tackle poverty and provide food, essential healthcare, or safe shelter for people in the UK and around the world.
It is a star-studded evening, featuring some familiar faces including Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary and Joel Dommett.
The show started at 7pm, and comedian Catherine arrived on stage dressed in her signature “nan” costume. Joanie “Nan” Taylor is one of Catherine Tate’s most famous characters, originally appearing in The Catherine Tate Show.
Catherine reprised the role to open the Red Nose Day special on the BBC, before she broke into song. The 56-year-old sang her own unique rendition of Queen’s classic “‘Don’t Stop Me Now”.
Catherine Tate as ‘Nan'(Image: BBC)
Mid-song, tonight’s hosts Davina McCall and Joel Dommett were wheeled onto the stage on two armchairs.
Despite the lively start to the show, some viewers took to social media who were thinking about switching off the show.
On X, one viewer said: “Catherine Tate presenting as Nan, no offence but I’m not feeling it.”
A second said: “I was scrolling rather than watching anyway, but as soon as I heard Catherine Tate doing ‘Nan’, off you went!”
A third wrote: “Painful opening! #comicrelief Netflix it is then.”
Another fan was hoping to see something more modern as they wrote: “Showcasing that there’s not been any new comedy for the past 15 years.”
Another wrote: “Omg! Shocking sketch Netflix it is tonight.”
Shortly after Catherine’s introduction, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary appeared on-screen as part of a sketch called “The Bank Job”.
Comic Relief: Funny For Money is available on BBC One and iPlayer