Amanda Holden and Alan Carr's debut as hosts of the 2024 Royal Variety Performance has ignited significant public outcry following their appearance on December 15. The annual fundraising event, held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, saw King Charles III and various musical acts, including Sir Elton John and Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, partake before the royal family. Yet, it was the humorous exchanges between the newly appointed hosts and the awkward pacing of their performance together which seized the spotlight this year.
Holden, known for her bold fashion choices, caused her own set of concerns leading up to the show, jokingly responding to The Sun's TV Mag about the potential for viewer complaints: "My outfit is definitely glamorous - hopefully nobody complains to Ofcom!" Sporting a fashionable strapless Lurex gown by Khaled and Marwin couture, which retails for over £3,000, the figure-hugging garment boasted a dramatic winged neckline and was initially considered risky, prompting memories of her 2017 gown on Britain's Got Talent which led to around 700 complaints.
The evening commenced with Carr poking fun at Holden's dazzling outfit, stating, "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." The duo's playful banter, included jokes about 'box-ticking' due to their representation of different demographics, and snickers about curtsying went awry. While aiming for humor, many watchers found the hosting presentation painfully awkward.
Across social media, viewer reactions overshadowed the intended spectacle. One viewer lamented, "Are Alan Carr and Amanda Holden ruining the Royal Variety for anyone else, or just me?" Another chimed, "Well, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are absolutely dreadful. This opening is so awkward." Many users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment, calling out for the return of previous host Bradley Walsh, who enjoyed significant praise after last year's performance.
The Royal Variety event is intended to showcase the strengths of both its performers and hosts, setting high standards for entertainment. Carr, familiar with the hosting role, had last appeared for the event during the 2021 edition. His remarks, intended to set the mood, missed the mark for many. The audience's consensus was evident as they commented on how Carr and Holden's attempts fell flat tonight. Posts like, "We have hit rock bottom I see @ITV with the #RoyalVarietyPerformance Carr and Holden??? Just not funny. Why are they presenting?" were rampant.
But amid this negativity, there were also defenders of the hosts. A user praised, "Whoever’s producing/writing this has done a great job already. @AmandaHolden and #AlanCarr brilliant opening skit." Their back-and-forth dynamic did bring some enjoyment, as light-hearted jibes reigned during the start of the show.
Following the introduction, the line-up of performers began to take the stage, bringing some reprieve from the criticism directed at the hosts. The audience witnessed vibrant acts from Starlight Express and soulful performances from artists like James Bay, wrapping up the evening with much invigorated applause, shifting some focus off the presenters.
With public figures like Amanda Holden, who also expressed during the event, "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!" the Royal Variety Performance remains a rich celebration of British culture and creativity, underscoring the significance of the event beyond individual hosting styles.
Nevertheless, as the evening concluded and critiques echoed, it revealed the struggle of newer presenters to fill shoes left by beloved peers. Holt led audiences through the highs and lows of their performance, pinpointing the touchy relationship the public holds with glamorous personalities on screen. While fashion risks can easily become polarizing, the hosts were perhaps sidetracked by the biting criticism. With the ensemble now setting the stage for future events, only time will tell if Holden and Carr manage to regain viewer confidence for subsequent appearances.
