During the Royal Variety Performance, comedian Matt Forde took the stage with a walking stick, addressing his health in a candid manner before beginning his set.
“I want to explain why I need a walking stick,” Forde told the audience. “A little over a year ago, I had severe nerve pain in my left leg. I thought it was a slipped disc, but after an MRI, I was diagnosed with cancer.”
The comedian, known for his political impressions, continued to share the emotional news, revealing that he was unsure of how much longer he had to live. “I’m telling you this mainly to get you on side,” he joked. “Because I’m going to impersonate a few politicians now. If I insult one you like, just remember, I’ve been very brave.”
Before diving into his impressions, which included notable figures like Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, Forde updated the audience on his health. “I’m now cancer-free and alive!” he said, expressing relief. “I’m so glad I lived to see the wonderful, global political events of the last few months.”
Despite his personal update, Forde’s opening remarks sparked backlash from some viewers. His joke about cancer was particularly controversial, as King Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, was in the audience.
Several ITV viewers criticized Forde’s decision to make light of his diagnosis in front of the King, who has undergone cancer treatment. One viewer wrote, “Is a joke about cancer really the way to start a comedy routine? It certainly didn’t get me on side.”
Another commented, “As a cancer survivor, I’m amazed Matt Forde thought it appropriate to joke about his diagnosis, especially after what the Royal Family has gone through this year. Surely, someone should have flagged this in the dress rehearsal. Tasteless.”
A third viewer questioned, “Did he have to mention his cancer diagnosis? As a cancer survivor myself, good luck to him, but was it really necessary to bring it up in front of the King?”
Others felt the joke was poorly timed given King Charles’s own recent battle with cancer. “A cancer joke with the King watching? A bit tasteless,” one viewer remarked.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some viewers enjoyed Forde’s performance, with one person saying, “Funny guy, Matt Forde,” and another adding, “Matt Forde was funny.”
The evening was hosted by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who expressed their excitement ahead of the show. Carr, who returned to host the Royal Variety Performance for the second time, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m completely thrilled to be asked back to host the Royal Variety Performance. What an honor! To do this with my best friend and TV wife Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake. If we have half as much fun as we did three years ago, we’re all in for a real treat.”
