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Salfordian comedian Jason Manford was forced to defend himself when Royal Variety Performance viewers went in on him after he hosted the annual televised charity event

Jason Manford got defensive on social media when Royal Variety Performance viewers slated him on social media after it was aired on Sunday. Salford native Jason, 44, hosted the annual charity event, which saw the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoy the show.

But Jason Manford appeared to divide opinion with his jokes about class, opening the show with a quip about his kids being middle class, after he was brought up as a working class lad. Kicking off proceedings on the ITV show, Jason stated: “I’ve created monsters,” before explaining his kids refused warm ‘smashed avocado’, joking that it was actually mushy peas from the chippy.

Although his comedy seemed to go down well with the royals, even getting a chuckle from the Prince of Wales, viewers at home were more critical of the comedian. One viewer commented on social media: “Can’t believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years #royalvariety.” Another added: “Nice enough bloke but he ain’t that funny. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

A third viewer wrote: “You complete ****hole! 99% of Uk can’t stand u!!” But Jason wasn’t accepting any negativity, replying to the unhinged comment: “Merry Christmas mate.” Not letting go, the viewer added: “You jumped up halibut! You’re a pauper in most eyes!” Jason responded: “And a Happy New Year xx”

Another viewer – who also had no profile picture – commented: “It would be better if he did not shout so much.” On one, Jason added: “It’s a a big room sweetie.”

Someone else commented that they thought Jason is being eyed up for the Strictly job, to which Jason joked: “Funnily no one has called, unless it’s a surprise to me too.” Oblivious, another viewer replied: “No one will either.” Jason got shirty, hitting back: “That was the joke f*** face.”

When another fan commented that Jason was “smashing it”, a disgruntled viewer replied: “We must be watching different shows,” to which Jason said: “Maybe you’re just not in the mood.”

But for every critic, there was praise for Jason’s hosting skills. One viewer posted: “You’re brilliant on Royal Variety! Definitely need to host again next year!” Others realised they’d caught feelings, with one typing: “How good does @JasonManford look!!! I mean DAMMN the crush I have on him wasn’t on the bingo card for 2025 #RoyalVarietyPerformance”

The event, which was recorded in November at the Royal Albert Hall, but aired on Sunday, raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity. The organisation supports entertainers and their families facing hardship and poverty.

For this year’s show, Westlife performed World Of Our Own ahead of their huge tour in their matching black suits and bowties. It was followed by a special performance from the Live Aid musical ‘Just For One Day’ followed, with Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure making an appearance to tell the story.

Stephen Fry appeared as Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest, while Jessie J performed an emotional version of her track I’ll Never Know Why. Elsewhere, Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding performed an trick with the help of members of the audience, while Strictly’s Johannes Radebe led a performance from musical Kinky Boots.

Impressionists followed, with impressions of political leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, while Jason went on to take part in a panto section. The show concluded with a Les Misérables performance, which saw 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly, mark the show’s 40th anniversary.

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The Jane Austen period drama starring Keeley Hawes will explore more of the Austen family story in the confirmed second season

The fate of an “exceptional” period drama, which fans have dubbed as “the best of the BBC“, has finally been revealed. Following its debut in February this year, Miss Austen has received a significant update.

The mini-series offers a reimagined glimpse into the life of Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra, portrayed by Keeley Hawes.

It narrates her journey to safeguard her sister’s legacy while grappling with her past through a series of flashbacks.

Viewers were captivated by the drama, praising it as “engaging, heartfelt,” and “absolutely superb” in glowing reviews.

It’s now been confirmed that Miss Austen will be returning for a second season. The first season, based on Gill Hornby’s novel, spanned four episodes, and the upcoming one will be “largely based” on her latest work, The Elopement, reports the Express.

The sequel is set in 1820 and follows the life of Mary Dorothea Knatchbull, the daughter of Jane Austen’s niece, Fanny Knight. Andrea Gibb, who penned the first season, will also be writing the second, according to Deadline.

Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson expressed her excitement about the return of the series, stating: “After the success of Miss Austen, I am thrilled to be working again with the incredible author Gill Hornby, and the impressive team of Andrea Gibb and Christine Langan, who created the first series that was such a moving experience and a joy to watch. I am pleased to be able to announce the return of the series just as we are about to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth,”.

Executive producer Christine Langan commented: “Fueled by another wonderful Gill Hornby novel, the journey of Miss Austen continues, going deeper into the intimate life of the Austen family. Love, loss and laughter mingle irresistibly in this fresh take on Jane Austen’s world brought to life by a dazzling array of characters both familiar and brand new.”

Miss Austen was set in 1830, and began with Cassandra visiting the Fowle family, as patriarch Reverend Fowle is dying. Vowing to help his daughter Isabella find a new home, she also looks for letters Jane, who died in 1817, had written as a younger woman to Fowle’s wife Elizabeth, in the hope to destroy them.

Meanwhile, Mary Austen, the widow of Cassandra and Jane’s brother James, also hunts for the letters, to write a biography about her late husband.

Discovering them, Cassandra is confronted by her past, with the letters covering her engagement to the late Tom Fowle, James’ marriage to Mary, other relatives they lost and chances at love, and Jane’s literary journey to become the novelist she’s known today.

Flashbacks from the early 1800s show Jane and Cassandra’s lives together, and the societal challenges of the era they grew up in.

The series stars Patsy Ferran as Jane and Jessica Hynes as Mary, as well as Rose Leslie, Max Irons and Phyllis Logan.

Fans fell in love with the four-part drama when it aired earlier this year, with one saying: “Fantastic series, we loved every minute. What a brilliant script and storytelling- so clever and so well done. We are Jane Austen fans and watched one episode each night this week. For us that’s a binge. The very best of the BBC at its best. Totally engaging, heartfelt, emotional and humorous. The actors were superbly cast and they all shone. I’ll give it a month then watch it again.”

Another said: “This 4 part series is absolutely superb, telling the story in a manner that I think Jane herself would have been proud of. The acting from all the cast is exceptional. I found Jane’s deathbed scene, being comforted by her beloved sister Cassandra, heartbreaking. This series will stay with me for a long time.”

Someone else wrote: “This show is absolutely superb. In excels in every possible way as a piece of entertainment. The ladies who play young Cassandra and Jane are perfection and the story is thoroughly intriguing. Loved it more than I can say.”

Another said: “A wonderful series -brilliantly portrayed by first class acting. I found this so moving and emotional- yet had many humorous scenes. Very rarely do we now find such a masterpiece on our screens. Well done BBC!”

Miss Austen is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.