Comic Relief 2026 kicked off with a mix of laughter and controversy as Catherine Tate took to the stage in her iconic character Nan, delivering a performance that left audiences sharply divided. The annual fundraising extravaganza, broadcast live on the BBC from Salford, saw Tate open the three-hour show with a rendition of Queen's classic hit Don't Stop Me Now, accompanied by backing dancers dressed as pensioners.
Nan's Grand Entrance Divides Viewers
Following a heartfelt introductory message from Sir Lenny Henry, who stepped down from presenting duties in 2023 after 39 years, Catherine Tate made her entrance to chuckles and applause. In character as Nan, she quipped to the crowd, "Hello sweethearts! I've come up to see you in Salford for Red Nose Day 2026 if you don't mind!" She humorously added that hosting was her way of giving back, joking about not having bought a TV licence in 15 years.
The comedienne expressed her delight at the live broadcast, saying, "We're going to have a right old time of it tonight. We've got celebrities galore, live music, and a couple of other things. I'm sure they thought it through." However, the performance quickly sparked a flurry of negative reactions on social media platforms.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
Many viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their displeasure with the opening act. One user lamented, "#comicrelief Please stop her," while another commented, "Catherine Tate presenting as Nan, no offence but I'm not feeling it. #ComicRelief." A third shared their disappointment more bluntly, stating, "Well #comicrelief got off to a c**p start. Catherine Tate singing. This is awful."
Further criticism highlighted frustration with the character-based presentation, with one viewer remarking, "Nan is annoying me on Red Nose Day already!! Just want presenters not a character!" These reactions underscored a segment of the audience that found the performance grating or out of place for the charity event.
Support and Aftermath of the Performance
Despite the backlash, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers enjoyed the spectacle, with one praising, "Great to see Catherine Tate reprise the Palladium sketch of Don't Stop Me Now for #comicrelief." After her performance, presenters Davina McCall and Joel Dommett joined Tate on stage, asking how she felt. In typical Nan fashion, she quipped, "Oh, I'm alright but I don't know if you noticed one of them nice young men put his hand right up my canary! An unexpected perk!"
The show, titled Comic Relief: Funny For Money, remains available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to revisit the contentious opening and the rest of the fundraising efforts. This incident highlights the challenges of balancing comedy and charity in live television, where performer choices can polarise viewers even as they aim to entertain and raise funds for good causes.
