It looked as though ITV viewers were less than impressed on Sunday night as one act at The Royal Variety sparked backlash

During the star-studded evening, The Royal Variety viewers were introduced to comedian Matt Forde.

Walking onto the stage with a crutch, he was quick to address the matter. He said: “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.”

The comedian revealed he had no idea how much longer he had left to live after being given his diagnosis. Matt added: “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.”

Royal Variety Performance viewers slam comedian over cancer jibe in front of King Charles

Before going into his impressions, Matt gave viewers an update on his health. He said: “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.”

Matt’s act featured the likes of Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Although ITV viewers weren’t thrilled with his jibe about cancer infront of King Charles, who was diagnosed with a form of cancer earlier this year and has since undergone treatment.

One person said: “Is a joke about cancer really the way to start a comedy routine? It certainly did not get me on side.”

ITV viewers were less than impressed over Matt’s cancer mention
Another commented: “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.”

Someone else 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.”

“A cancer joke with the King watching? Bit tasteless.” However, there were some viewers who enjoyed watching Matt’s performance. One person said: “Funny guy Matt Forde.” Another added: “Matt Ford was funny.”

The night was overseen by host’s Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who expressed excitement before the annual event

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr presented the evening ( 
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In advance of the show, Alan Carr, said: “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.”