Keir Starmer’s name alone was enough to trigger a wave of boos

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was met with loud boos from the audience during the Royal Variety Performance after his voice was introduced in a comedy sketch, leaving viewers stunned as the moment aired on ITV. The incident took place during a segment by radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers, performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey. As the sketch moved through a series of political and celebrity impressions, the mention of Starmer’s voice triggered what one reviewer described as “deeply meant booing” from the packed Royal Albert Hall.

The reaction was impossible to miss. Fans watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the moment, with one writing: “Ha ha kier starmer getring booed on royal variety quality.” Another added: “Wonderful to see Keir Starmer roundly booed when he was mentioned in the ‘Dead Ringers’ sketch at #royalvariety.”

radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers did an impression of the PM (Image: ITV)

A third mocked: “ooooooooooooooooooooh ALL THE BOO’S, LOOK WHAT U DID KIER STARMER…EVERYONE LOVES U, NOT.”

One viewer even joked about the royal box, asking: “Wonder if the Prince and Princess of Wales started the booing of Keir Starmer or did they only join in halfway through?”

The moment came as part of an otherwise star-studded night at the annual charity event, which was filmed in November and has now been broadcast on ITV.

This year’s Royal Variety Performance was hosted by Jason Manford, whose opening monologue sparked mixed reactions of its own.

Jason joked about class differences between himself and his children, quipping: “I’ve created monsters,” as he described his kids turning their noses up at “smashed avocado” — before revealing it was actually mushy peas.

The gag drew laughter in the hall, including from the Prince of Wales, but viewers at home were divided.

One critic complained: “Can’t believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years #royalvariety.”

Another wrote: “Nice enough bloke but he ain’t that funny.” Others were more positive, with one saying: “I like Jason Manford. He’s a good host,” and another adding: “@JasonManford absolutely smashing hosting duties .. best man for the job !!”

The event was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, with proceeds supporting the Royal Variety Charity.

Viewers also saw a wide range of performances, including Westlife singing World Of Our Own, while ad breaks left some fans irritated. One wrote: “2 ad breaks in 27 minutes #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

Elsewhere, Stephen Fry appeared as Lady Bracknell, delivering a knowing joke about being “voted out” of Traitors, while Jessie J moved viewers with an emotional performance.

Sir Keir Starmer was not in attendance at the Royal Variety Performance, which aired on Sunday, December 21, 2025.