Television presenter Davina McCall has issued a formal apology following an incident where a co-star used strong language during Comic Relief's live Friday night broadcast. The charity fundraiser, which was broadcast on the BBC, saw McCall hosting alongside comedian Nick Mohammed and former Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler.
High-Stress Rubik's Cube Challenge Leads to Swearing
During a segment featuring a Rubik's Cube challenge, comedian Nick Mohammed was heard uttering expletives including "oh f***" and "s***" as he struggled to solve eight cubes within a one-minute time limit. Joe Marler, dressed in drag, attempted to disrupt Mohammed using a water pistol, adding to the chaotic atmosphere on stage.
McCall's Immediate Apology to Viewers
After the challenge concluded, Davina McCall directly addressed the television audience, stating, "Before we go any further, we just wanted to apologise if anybody heard any bad language there. It was a very high-stress situation." Mohammed appeared confused by the apology, questioning whether he was the culprit, to which McCall responded, "I'm not sure, let's not go over it again."
Red Nose Day 2026 Highlights and Fundraising Success
The live show, broadcast from MediaCity in Salford, featured a performance by Catherine Tate as her character Nan and included sketches inspired by popular BBC programmes such as The Traitors and Amandaland. McCall was joined by a roster of comedians including Joel Dommett and Katherine Ryan for the charity event.
Despite the on-air incident, the evening proved successful for Comic Relief, with McCall announcing that over £30 million had been raised for the charity. The studio audience responded with laughter and applause following the apology, maintaining the event's festive spirit.
In a clever twist, Nick Mohammed turned his Rubik's Cubes to display the word "sorry" after failing the challenge, which served as an apology for his previous actions banishing Joe Marler on The Celebrity Traitors. This gesture highlighted the playful yet competitive dynamic between the two stars during the broadcast.
