John Cleese appeared on The One Show on Tuesday evening, prompting a mix of reactions from viewers after he asked hosts Lauren Laverne and Roman Kemp their names at the start of the show.
The 86-year-old Fawlty Towers star joined Lauren Laverne and Roman Kemp on the green sofa, alongside Celebrity MasterChef stars Grace Dent, Shakira Khan and Jay McGuiness. As the hosts introduced their guests, John quickly asked Roman: "What's your name?"
"I've never known anyone called Roman," John then said, before turning to Lauren: "And your friend, what's her name?" As Lauren said her name, John enthusiastically said: "Lauren! That's a nice name too. Very good. Well, I'm very happy to be on the show."
Viewers share their thoughts
Viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the awkward moment, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing: "@BBCTheOneShow John Cleese slightly embarrassing opening asking the names of presenters." Another added: "This is painful," while a third said: "Absolute car crash." Someone else commented: "Awkward chatter with John Cleese."
Meanwhile, other viewers were delighted to see the comedian appear on the programme, with one person saying: "John Cleese on The One Show isn't disappointing. What a legend." Another added: "The legendary @JohnCleese is on #TheOneShow tonight and he's in fine form. Wonderfully entertaining."
Promoting his new tour
John appeared on the show to promote his new tour, which celebrates more than half a century of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Beginning with an introduction from John himself, fans will get to enjoy a full screening of the iconic film.
Following the screening, audiences will be treated to a 45-minute interview with John, who will reflect on the making of the film, and the legacy of Monty Python.
"Although people think of us as performers, we're actually writers. We were all six writers and we knew instinctively, as a writer, who would be best. It was a very simple choice," John said as he reflected on the casting of the film.
He added: "We were in Scotland in April. It was cold, it never stopped raining. We were wearing this ridiculous chain mail, which was knitted string and it got wet. By nine o'clock you were damp and you'd stay there all day!"
The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm.
