Comic Relief viewers were left unimpressed by the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations, taking to social media to vent their frustration.

Comic Relief’s 40th-anniversary celebration on Friday, March 21, failed to impress viewers as the iconic charity show returned to TV screens.

The star-studded line-up of presenters included Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Jonathan Ross, and Alesha Dixon, with AJ Odudu and Tom Allen taking over later in the evening.

The BBC programme opened with a nostalgic performance by Limahl, followed by Andrew Roachford and Carol Decker each delivering their classic hits. However, the musical trip down memory lane didn’t resonate with viewers, prompting a flurry of disgruntled comments on social media.

Disappointed fans expressed their dismay, with some declaring an early switch-off due to the “terrible start”.

One viewer vented on X: “Turned off already #ComicRelief.” While another lamented, “Jesus Christ, what a terrible start #ComicRelief #RedNoseDay.” (sic)

Limahl on Comic Relief (Image: BBC)The throwback to the ’80s also left some questioning the relevance, as one person remarked: “Oh no, we should have left Limahl in the 1980’s #ComicRelief #RedNoseDay.” And another compared it to a dated Royal Variety Performance, writing: “It’s like a Royal Variety Performance from the 1980s here! #ComicRelief #RedNoseDay.” (sic)

For some, the alternative was clear-cut as they opted for football over the charity event, reports Wales Online.

“Already switched over, football it is! #Comicrelief I lasted 10 seconds!” one tweeted, and another penned: “Right that’s enough I’m putting the football on. #comicrelief #RedNoseDay.” (sic)

This year’s Comic Relief is set to be a star-studded affair, featuring an Oasis-themed sketch from The Inbetweeners favourites James Buckley and Joe Thomas, as well as a special episode of Death in Paradise, titled Not Going Beyond Paradise.

Carol Decker, Andrew Roachford and Limahl performed on Comic Relief (Image: BBC)The line-up also includes Strictly Come Dancing The New Pro Dancers and a Gladiators special starring Chabuddy G. BBC soap EastEnders has also joined forces with Comic Relief for a five-minute episode focusing on Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health storyline.

In addition, celebrities have been undertaking some major challenges to raise funds, with BBC Radio 1’s Jamie Laing completing an ultra marathon, while Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton have been participating in a 24-hour roller disco.