Comedian Jason Manford has sparked a divided reaction from audiences with his opening routine at this year's Royal Variety Performance on ITV. The host kicked off the prestigious event, filmed in November and broadcast on 21 December 2025, with a series of gags centred on class and his family.
Monologue Met with Mixed Reviews
Manford, hosting the show for the second time after a pandemic-era performance in 2020, opened with jokes about his middle-class children and his own working-class roots. A highlight involved his children refusing "smashed avocado" that was actually warm mushy peas, a quip that drew a laugh from the Prince of Wales in the audience. "I've created monsters," Manford quipped about his offspring's refined tastes.
However, the routine left viewers at home split. On social media, one critic wrote: "Can't believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years." Another added: "Nice enough bloke but he ain't that funny." Supporters countered, with one viewer stating: "I like Jason Manford. He’s a good host." A more scathing review compared him to James Corden, accusing him of trying too hard to stay relevant and appearing out of touch with his roots.
A Night of Spectacle for a Royal Cause
The event, attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, is a major fundraiser for the Royal Variety Charity. This organisation provides care and assistance to professionals from the entertainment industry. The tradition dates back to 1912, with the first command performance attended by King George V and Queen Mary.
This year's line-up was notably spectacular. It featured a massive performance from Les Misérables involving 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, and Killian Donnelly, to mark the musical's 40th anniversary. Other acts included:
- A segment from Paddington The Musical, introduced by composer Tom Fletcher.
- A performance of new song 'I'll Never Know Why' by Jessie J.
- A debut appearance by the band Madness.
- Magic from Britain's Got Talent winner Harry Moulding.
- Impressions from the cast of Dead Ringers.
- A special performance from the Live Aid musical 'Just For One Day', introduced by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.
- A number from Kinky Boots led by Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe.
Host Relishes Return to Live Audience
Prior to the show, Jason Manford expressed his delight at returning to host, especially before a live audience. He humorously contrasted it with his 2020 virtual hosting experience during the pandemic, which he described as "like doing a gig in front of a Curry’s window." He joked about the challenges of being heckled by someone with an open mic while they ate crisps, stating he was thrilled to see real human faces this time around.
Despite the controversy surrounding his opening jokes, the 2025 Royal Variety Performance succeeded in its primary goal: delivering a night of world-class entertainment in aid of a vital charitable cause within the showbusiness community.
