Last One Laughing Fans Fume Over Jimmy Carr's Controversial Elimination
Viewers of the popular Prime Video series Last One Laughing have erupted in anger following what many are describing as the "most unfair red card in the show's history." The controversy centers on host Jimmy Carr's unexpected intervention during the fifth episode, where he targeted comedian Romesh Ranganathan in what fans have labeled a "dirty play" move.
The Controversial Elimination
As the competition reached its midpoint with several comedians still vying for victory, Jimmy Carr, 53, alongside co-host Roisin Conaty, took matters into his own hands. With Romesh Ranganathan, 48, still competing alongside Mel Giedroyc, Sam Campbell, David Mitchell, and reigning champion Bob Mortimer, Carr executed a surprise maneuver that would ultimately eliminate one of the show's strongest contenders.
Carr summoned Ranganathan to the locker room before appearing as a talking head through a hole carved into a cupboard. The host then proceeded to pitch a series of absurd mock crossover television shows to the comedian, including:
- A travel show featuring Romesh and Jimmy's mother's urn
- "Jimmy and Romesh's Cannon Fodder," where they would be fired from cannons across Britain
- "Jimmy and Romesh's Naked Attraction," a parody dating show concept
Despite Ranganathan's initial resistance, walking away and shaking his head, he eventually cracked under the pressure. A giggle escaped him, followed by laughter shared between the two comedians, sealing his elimination from the competition.
Romesh's Reaction and Fan Backlash
Returning to the main room, Ranganathan expressed his frustration openly: "I'm done. That was bulls**t man. Can I be honest? I thought what happened to me was unfair. There's jokers, there's head to heads, but nowhere did it say that Jimmy Carr will emerge as a surprise from a cupboard. It was like a sniper, it was so out of order."
The comedian later told Carr directly: "That was a d**k move," as he agreed to leave the game, reducing the remaining competitors to Sam Campbell, Bob Mortimer, David Mitchell, and Mel Giedroyc.
Fans quickly took to social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to voice their displeasure with the controversial elimination:
- "That was DIRTY play on Romesh. I 100% agree about it being unfair"
- "Maybe the most unfair red card so far"
- "I know it's a laugh and it shouldn't matter but Romesh got absolutely dogged in this episode"
- "I know he's playing around but I think Romesh is right and he shouldn't be out because jimmy singled him out"
- "Harsh!!! Can't go after Romesh like that!! At least go after David or Sam who don't have cards!"
Series Expansion and Future Plans
The controversy comes as Last One Laughing confirms it will return for a third series, announced just hours after the newest episodes premiered on Prime Video earlier this month. The second series debuted on March 19, featuring an impressive lineup of comedians competing against reigning champion Bob Mortimer.
According to industry reports, series three will begin filming this spring for release next year, with a special Halloween episode also planned. A show insider revealed: "Last One Laughing is unquestionably one of the most talked-about TV shows of the past year, and it's not a huge surprise that more has now been ordered. But no one expected them to reveal there'd be a new season and a special coming out in the same year."
Amazon executive Tara Erer expressed confidence in the program's continued success: "We've already made this format in over 20 countries. Wherever it goes, it becomes a huge hit. With the UK, we knew it would be successful. But the scale at which it grew was a welcome surprise." When asked about the show's longevity, she added: "That's the goal. I think it can go on and on and keep the quality at the level that we started with."
Competition Dynamics and Fan Anticipation
The show's premise places comedians in close quarters for six hours while they attempt to make their competitors laugh or smile. Contestants are eliminated after laughing or smiling twice, creating intense psychological pressure among participants.
Reigning champion Bob Mortimer, who triumphed over Richard Ayoade in the first series' tense finale, returned to defend his title against a new lineup including Alan Carr, David Mitchell, Romesh Ranganathan, Diane Morgan, Mel Giedroyc, Maisie Adam, Gbemsiola Ikumelo, Amy Gledhill, and Sam Campbell.
Mortimer previously identified Ranganathan as his biggest threat among the new competitors, telling The Metro: "I thought: 'He's going to hit me with something any minute now.'" Fellow contestant Diane Morgan agreed, noting: "When he looks sad it's even funnier."
Fans have expressed tremendous excitement about the star-studded lineup since its announcement last year, with social media reactions including:
- "Epic line up"
- "Romesh could smash this!!"
- "I think this is the best show ever created"
- "Bob to retain his crown. All hail king bob"
- "David Mitchell v Bob is going to be an all-timer"
- "The casting on this one!! You don't want to be around Sam Campbell"
- "So excited!! First season was so good. This line up looks like its going to be as good as the first season"
The second series follows a staggered release schedule, with the first three episodes available from March 19, two more following on March 26, and the finale dropping on April 2. Prime Video has teased that the show contains "comedy cameos, format twists and surprises designed to elicit laughs from both players and viewers alike," available to stream in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
