No laughing matter: Viewers criticise 'unfunny' Comic Relief after Russell Brand swears live on air, Cara Delevingne squirms as she's asked about having sex on a plane and Vic Reeves flashes a fake PENIS before the watershed 

  • Unimpressed viewers branded Comic Relief 'cringeworthy' and 'utter shambles'
  • Fans slammed Russell Brand for yelling 'F***** hell' during technical glitch
  • Graham Norton probed a red-faced Cara - despite her father being in audience
  • Vic Reeves flashed fake penis at presenter Susanna Reid before 9pm watershed

Viewers have branded Comic Relief 'cringeworthy' and 'an utter shambles' after a series of technical glitches, X-rated gaffes and 'unfunny' sketches.

Fans slammed Russell Brand for yelling 'F***** hell' after the broadcast cut off due to a technical fault and cringed as comedian Vic Reeves flashed a fake penis at presenter Susanna Reid before the 9pm watershed.

Meanwhile Graham Norton 'awkwardly' pressed a red-faced Cara Delevingne to explain how she had sex on a plane - despite her father sitting in the audience.

Despite backlash for numerous live gaffes and 'awkward' presenting, the annual charity broadcast was praised for raising a whopping £71million on Friday night. 

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Slammed: Viewers branded Comic Relief 'cringeworthy' and 'an utter shambles' after a series of technical glitches, X-rated gaffes and 'unfunny' sketches

Viewers have branded Comic Relief 'cringeworthy' and 'an utter shambles' after a series of technical glitches, X-rated gaffes and 'unfunny' sketches

Potty-mouthed: Fans slammed comedian Russell Brand, who hosted the first hour, for yelling 'F***** hell' after the broadcast randomly cut off due to a technical glitch

Fans slammed comedian Russell Brand, who hosted the first hour, for yelling 'F***** hell' after the broadcast randomly cut off due to a technical glitch

'We are sorry for the break in this programme': During Russell Brand's presenting hour Comic Relief's live broadcast was cut

'We are sorry for the break in this programme': During Russell Brand's presenting hour Comic Relief's live broadcast was cut

Viewers flocked to Twitter to complain about the show, with some even joking that Comic Relief was becoming a charity case in itself

Viewers flocked to Twitter to complain about the show, with some even joking that Comic Relief was becoming a charity case in itself

Viewers flocked to Twitter to complain about the show, with some even joking that Comic Relief was becoming a charity case in itself.

'F*** me if this gets any worse Africa is going to start sending us money. #comicrelief,' one user quipped acerbically.

'Dear @BBCOne Make it stop. Please. Awful television. Not a single laugh. Utter s***,' one disgruntled viewer penned.

'I have to say, this year's Comic Relief was absolutely AWFUL! It was a complete mess from start to finish,' another wrote.

'Really hope that donations for #ComicRelief & those in need aren't adversely affected by the poor #production & offensively awful #audio,' a fourth said.

'Truly crindgeworthy awful this year, whats happened ??? The one 2 yrs ago was Brilliant , great cause awful just awful #BBC,' yet another user wrote.

'Really hope that donations for #ComicRelief & those in need aren't adversely affected by the poor #production & offensively awful #audio,' a viewer said

'Really hope that donations for #ComicRelief & those in need aren't adversely affected by the poor #production & offensively awful #audio,' a viewer said

During Russell Brand's hour hosting the broadcast, the show had been cut off air with a blank red screen, hosting the BBC's logo, revealing: 'We are sorry for the break in this programme and are trying to correct the fault.' 

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star then tried to reveal Comic Relief's grand total so far when it comes to donations but had no joy. 

Russell was heard shouting in response to the technical error: 'F***ing hell.'  

'I don't know how to answer this!' Cara Delevinge looks beyond awkward as Graham Norton forces her talk about the time she had sex on a plane... as her father looks on from the audience

'I don't know how to answer this!' Cara Delevinge looks beyond awkward as Graham Norton forces her talk about the time she had sex on a plane... as her father looks on from the audience

Excuse me? Like a dog with a bone, Graham pressed her for details: 'But you complained that someone was watching you...?'
Uncomfortable: As the awkwardness settled to a simmer, Cara got up and performed a party trick with a bottle of water balanced on her forehead.

Excuse me? Like a dog with a bone, Graham pressed her for details: 'But you complained that someone was watching you...?'

Disgruntled viewers condemned the charity broadcast 'car crash TV'

Disgruntled viewers condemned the charity broadcast 'car crash TV'

Viewers joked that the accidental break was a good thing because Brand's hosting was 'so awful'. 

'Oh the irony of losing connection when it's all so awful! What an utter shambles! Embarrassing,' one wrote.

Users were also left squirming by a teeth-clenching interview with Graham Norton and his slew of celebrities in an extended version of his usual chat show. 

The much-loved host left supermodel Cara Delevingne stuttering and stumbling over her words when he asked her to explain an X-rated incident on a plane.  

'Well we were talking about having sex on a plane,' Graham went on, which Cara responded to with: 'As have you.'

I beg your pardon? Again, Cara fell over her words, trying to answer but clearly wishing the chat show host would move the conversation on

I beg your pardon? Again, Cara fell over her words, trying to answer but clearly wishing the chat show host would move the conversation on

Drop it, Graham: While chat covered a variation of topics, one in particular went down like a lead balloon when Graham decided to repeat something model Cara Delevingne said to him privately backstage

Drop it, Graham: While chat covered a variation of topics, one in particular went down like a lead balloon when Graham decided to repeat something model Cara Delevingne said to him privately backstage

Graham then admitted he has indeed had sex on a plane, at which point Jonathan Ross, who was sat further along the couch, remarked that 'it doesn't count if it's with yourself!'

Graham then turned back on Cara: 'You were doing it, and a man was watching it...'

To which Cara interjected: 'My father is here by the way, sorry dad...'

A confused Graham then said: 'I was worried where that anecdote was going then!'

Getting back on track, he continued: 'So you were having sex on a plane and someone was watching you.'

Practically cringing into her seat, Cara stumbled over her words and said: 'I don't even know how to start this story.'

Unimpressed: Viewers didn't seem amused by the comedians flashing a fake penis at Susanna during their comedy sketch

Unimpressed: Viewers didn't seem amused by the comedians flashing a fake penis at Susanna during their comedy sketch

Susanna awkwardly hid her face as the exchange got more and more intense 

Susanna awkwardly hid her face as the exchange got more and more intense 

She got an eyeful! The Good Morning Britain host struggled to maintain her composure as she hid her eyes from Vic's pretend manhood

She got an eyeful! The Good Morning Britain host struggled to maintain her composure as she hid her eyes from Vic's pretend manhood

Vic Reeves set tongues wagging after he flashed his middle finger at Susanna

Vic Reeves set tongues wagging after he flashed his middle finger at Susanna

'Mmm very cringy': Some viewers vowed to switch off amid Vic and Bob's sketch with Susanna 

'Mmm very cringy': Some viewers vowed to switch off amid Vic and Bob's sketch with Susanna 

Noticing she was uncomfortable, Martine McCutcheon and Jessica Haynes jumped in to joke that it was with them.

But like a dog with a bone, Graham pressed her for details: 'But you complained that someone was watching you...?'

Again, Cara fell over her words, trying to answer but clearly wishing the chat show host would move the conversation on.

Jonathan chimed in again, saying: 'Was it EasyJet because they charge more for that!'

Not impressed! Susanna Reid was subject to a bizarre interview by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer

Not impressed! Susanna Reid was subject to a bizarre interview by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer

'Comic relief... painful': Some questioned why comedy duo Vic and Bob were allowed to flash a fake penis pre-watershed but Ed had to be careful about using the word rape

'Comic relief... painful': Some questioned why comedy duo Vic and Bob were allowed to flash a fake penis pre-watershed but Ed had to be careful about using the word rape

Viewers compared watching the segment like a session with 'Pavlov's dogs'.

'I kept switching over the televisoin but came back for more!' one despaired. 

There were several awkward moments that didn't go unnoticed during the live broadcast with the first occurring during the first ever televised version of Radio 1's Innuendo Bingo. 

Chris Stark and I'm A Celebrity runner-up Joel Dommett took part in the game which sees celebrities try to maintain their composure while listening to innuendo-laden clips. 

But there was a slight glitch when a video was supposed to play onscreen, but failed to do so.  

An issue with the sound throughout the show prompted an irritated Lenny Henry to stand up mid-interview and shout at members in the studio audience to be quiet. 

He explained that Comic Relief was airing live and noise from the audience was preventing viewers at home from being able to hear what was happening on stage. 

Lenny Henry, 58, hit out at noisy members of the studio audience live on air as the BBC suffered technical issues when it came to sound

Lenny Henry, 58, hit out at noisy members of the studio audience live on air as the BBC suffered technical issues when it came to sound

Innuendo Bingo suffered a technical glitch as one of the videos needed failed to play

Innuendo Bingo suffered a technical glitch as one of the videos needed failed to play

Viewers complained that they couldn't hear what was going on throughout the Comic Relief broadcast on BBC

Viewers complained that they couldn't hear what was going on throughout the Comic Relief broadcast on BBC

That prompted a few sarcastic tweets from viewers, with one user commenting: 'Dig deep everyone, text Mic10 to help the BBC hire new sound technicians and buy some new equipment. Every little helps #comicrelief.'

Another said: 'BBC forgot what sound engineers are.'

Viewers hit out at comedic duo Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves after they shocked pre-watershed by flashing a fake penis while mock-interviewing Susanna Reid and many took offence as the crude joke took place before 9pm.

Especially as Ed Sheeran - while documenting his heart-wrenching trip to Liberia - revealed he had been told not to say the word 'rape' before watershed.

One person penned: 'Comic relief... painful. Ed Sheeran was told not to use the word rape but the worst comedians I've ever seen can parade a fake penis?' 

A second agreed: 'How come @edsheeran is not allowed to mention the reality of rape but they showed a penis on Tv? #comicrelief.' 

Irked viewers shared their frustration on Twitter as they branded the sketch 'cringeworthy' and some even vowed to switch off. 

Mrs Brown even appeared to flip the bird during Mrs Brown's Boys' Red Nose Day skit

Mrs Brown even appeared to flip the bird during Mrs Brown's Boys' Red Nose Day skit

Former JLS star Aston laughed in shock as she made the rude gesture to a friend standing behind him

Former JLS star Aston laughed in shock as she made the rude gesture to a friend standing behind him

One viewer called for Ant and Dec to take things over as many complained about the bad language used

One viewer called for Ant and Dec to take things over as many complained about the bad language used

One commented: 'WTF is this on #comicrelief with@susannareid100 is it meant to be funny?' 

A second wrote: 'Mmmm very cringy... definitely time to turn over.'

A third said: 'Isn't it awkward? I love vic and bob but this is weird.' 

Along with the comedians' poor penis joke, viewers were quick to point out that Comic Relief is a 'family show' and were surprised by the volume of bad language that had been used in the early parts of the broadcast - with Mrs Brown even appearing to flip the bird during Mrs Brown's Boys' Red Nose Day skit.

'Had to send my kids to bed early instead of watching #comicrelief the bad language is a disgrace,' one more viewer tweeted. 

Ed Sheeran has got tongues wagging and sent social media into a tizzy after he shared a passionate kiss with Inbetweeners actor Greg Davies on Friday night's Comic Relief

Ed Sheeran has got tongues wagging and sent social media into a tizzy after he shared a passionate kiss with Inbetweeners actor Greg Davies on Friday night's Comic Relief

The 26-year-old hitmaker puckered up to the comedic star following a performance of his song What Do I Know?

The 26-year-old hitmaker puckered up to the comedic star following a performance of his song What Do I Know?

Greg - who played infamous head teacher Mr Gilbert on the E4 series - rushed the stage and pushed the brunette comedic star aside as he said to Ed: 'I hope you have lip balm on' before they smooched

Greg - who played infamous head teacher Mr Gilbert on the E4 series - rushed the stage and pushed the brunette comedic star aside as he said to Ed: 'I hope you have lip balm on' before they smooched

While another suggested that much-loved presenting duo Ant and Dec take over the reins. 

They added: '#comicrelief too much bad language for a family show. Bring on Ant and Dec, they're funny without it.' 

Another vented: '#comicrelief only so much cringe a man can take! This is utterly dreadful, the jokes, the sound quality. Definition of car crash TV!'

And it seems the night didn't appear to recover, as things continued to go wrong live on air into the early hours. 

Ed Sheeran's trip to Liberia tugged on the heartstrings of viewers at home

Ed Sheeran's trip to Liberia tugged on the heartstrings of viewers at home

The singer was praised for the kindness he showed towards the homeless children - after offering to personally pay for one boy's home and school

The singer was praised for the kindness he showed towards the homeless children - after offering to personally pay for one boy's home and school

Fans said Ed Sheeran was a stand out from the show 

Fans said Ed Sheeran was a stand out from the show 

Despite Comic Relief failing to impress in some areas, other parts of the show received a much warmer reception on social media.

Shape Of You Singer Ed won a barrage of compliments for his sincere film about his trip to Liberia. 

Breaking down in tears, the singer was shocked by what he saw during his stay and his desire to personally pay for a house and school for a homeless child touched viewers. 

He was subject to a young boy being beaten by an older man, and in an admirable act he paid for the boy and his friends to be housed and schooled.

'Could he be any more awesome?' Viewers made sure to compliment Ed for his heart-warming  and charitable gesture

'Could he be any more awesome?' Viewers made sure to compliment Ed for his heart-warming  and charitable gesture

Take That's Carpool Karaoke collaboration with James Corden went down a treat with viewers

Take That's Carpool Karaoke collaboration with James Corden went down a treat with viewers

He explained that as he had ceased filming the segment, a man had started to attack the boy, prompting Ed to return and personally arrange to look after the young child and his five friends.

'It doesn't matter how much it costs,' the generous musician insisted, wanting to make sure the kids were removed from the violent threat of the older boys, who he later reported would be known to rape them too.

One fan tweeted in reaction to Ed's admission: 'What a genuinely lovely and sweet guy! What he did melted my heart #comicrelief.'

Another said: 'Could @edsheeran possibly be any more awesome?' 

Fans couldn't get enough of Take That as they reacquainted themselves with the bands old hits

Fans couldn't get enough of Take That as they reacquainted themselves with the bands old hits

Take That joining James Corden for a special Carpool Karaoke spinoff was also a hit with viewers.

The Late Late Show host was joined by Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald as he drove around and the trio belted out their nostalgic hits from the back in the day. 

'#CarpoolKaraoke with @takethat is AMAZING,' one excited fan posted on Twitter. 'Love hearing all the oldies.' 

'Loved @takethat on carpool karaoke on #ComicRelief,' another tweeted. 

Although, the biggest hit of the evening was Love Actually's hotly anticipated sequel. 

Fans of the 2003 release have been eagerly waiting for its return ever since the movie revealed its cast would be reuniting for a short comeback. 

Despite being only 10 minutes long, fans rejoiced at seeing the characters back on their screens and finding out where life had taken them over the years. 

Andrew Lincoln's character Mark re-created his famous card scene to reveal to Juliet (played by Keira Knightley) that he had married supermodel Kate Moss. 

Hugh Grant proved the PM still has his infamous dance moves

Hugh Grant proved the PM still has his infamous dance moves

Andrew Lincoln's Mark finally found love and with supermodel wife Kate Moss

Andrew Lincoln's Mark finally found love and with supermodel wife Kate Moss

am, the son of Liam Neeson's character, is engaged to his childhood sweetheart Joanna

am, the son of Liam Neeson's character, is engaged to his childhood sweetheart Joanna

Colin Firth's Jamie is still happily married to his Portugese love Aurelia following his public proposal 13 years ago and he is now a doting dad to three bi-lingual children, with a fourth on the way. 

Sam - the son of Liam Neeson's character - is now engaged to his primary school sweetheart Joanna and Hugh Grant's character David has been re-elected as Prime Minister and managed to showcase his infamous moves once more.

Viewers claimed that the Love Actually return had 'saved' Comic Relief. 

One tweeted: 'Love Actually is the only thing that can save this years #comicrelief.' 

Others penned: 'The Love Actually sequel for Red Nose Day definitely put a smile on my face.

'How sweet was #comicrelief #rednosedayactually my #loveactually heart has been fulfilled once more. That was so worth the wait, beautifully done #loveactually #comicrelief.'

Many claimed Love Actually's sequel had saved the charity broadcast after the 10 minute comeback of the 2003 release aired

Many claimed Love Actually's sequel had saved the charity broadcast after the 10 minute comeback of the 2003 release aired

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