Royal Variety fans slam 'tasteless' cancer jibe in front of King Charles during act

During the glitzy Royal Variety Performance, comedian Matt Forde took to the stage leaning on a crutch, promptly addressing the audience with a candid reveal: "Thank you. Before I start, I'd like to explain why I need a walking stick.

"Just over a year ago, I had terrible nerve pain in my left leg, I went to get an MRI scan thinking the pain was caused by a slipped or a swollen disc. I got the results of that scan back, I was diagnosed with cancer."

Matt opened up about the uncertainty he faced after his diagnosis, quipping to the crowd: "I'm telling you this, mainly just to get you on side! Because I'm going to impersonate a few politicians now and if I insult one you like, just remember, I've been very brave."

Before diving into his political impressions, the comedian gave the audience an upbeat health update: "I'm now cancer-free and alive! I'm so glad I lived to see the wonderful, global, political events of the last few months."

Featuring impressions of notables such as Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, Matt's routine wasn't met with universal acclaim from ITV audiences particularly due to his jest about cancer before King Charles, who has battled a form of cancer this year and received treatments, reports the Mirror.

One viewer responded to the act with clear discomfort: "Is a joke about cancer really the way to start a comedy routine? It certainly did not get me on side."

Someone else reeled: "As a cancer survivor, I'm amazed Matt Forde thought it appropriate to use his diagnosis/treatment as the basis of jokes, given the year our Royal Family has had with this disease. Surely someone should have pulled that in the dress rehearsal? Tastless."

Another asked: "Did he have to mention his cancer diagnosis,as a cancer survivor myself good luck to him,but did he really have to mention it in front of the King?" One reeled: "The cancer joke is very ill timed after what the king has been through recently." Someone else said: "A cancer joke with the King watching? Bit tasteless."

However, there were some viewers who enjoyed watching Matt's performance. One person praised: "Funny guy Matt Forde." Another chimed in: "Matt Ford was funny."

The evening was hosted by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who expressed their excitement before the annual event.

Ahead of the show, Alan Carr, enthused: "I am completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance so soon, what a compliment and an honour!

"To be able to host this magical evening with my best friend and tv wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me. If we have half as much fun as we did three years ago, well we are all in for a real treat.

Amanda added: “It truly is such an honour to be hosting the Royal Variety Performance this year. I’m still pinching myself! This is a dream job and Alan is a true friend, we are already bursting with ideas and excitement, it’s going to be such a fun night!

"I’ve worked on Britain’s Got Talent for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners perform for the Royal Family. This year will be no different, so in the words of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it!”

The Royal Variety Performance is available to watch on ITVX.