BBC Comic Relief viewers slam 'painful' Strictly Come Dancing sketch as they beg 'make it stop'

BBC viewers were left underwhelmed by one of the sketches featured in this year's Comic Relief special. The charity event, marking its 40th anniversary, was packed with star-studded sketches, live performances and a host of surprises.

One sketch saw comedians Rachel Parris and Russell Kane impersonating Strictly Come Dancing 'professionals' Melissa and Johnny. Introducing the segment, presenter Jonathan Ross hinted that last year's show could have been very different.

e revealed: "There were two new dancers who were supposed to take to the ballroom, who never quite made it. It was very unfortunate."

BBC fans then watched an observational documentary-style sketch featuring the two comedians alongside some of the Strictly stars, reports Wales Online.

 

However, as the sketch progressed, it seemed viewers were not impressed and quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

One person tweeted: "#ComicRelief This Strictly skit is just painfully unfunny. Make it stop." Another posted: "Ngl Comic Relief this year really do be lacking the comic part, like I enjoy Strictly but this isn't particularly funny [sic]" #ComicRelief #RedNoseDay"

A third viewer wrote: "#ComicRelief #ComicRelief2025 Yet still 80mins in and still nothing funny." One disappointed viewer tweeted: "Sorry - worst Comic Relief EVER! The Strictly sketch is awful and not funny at all. So looking forward to the Lee Mack one as well - just not funny. What on Earth has happened this year?"

 

BBC Comic Relief's dance spoof sparked a mixed reaction, but many viewers enjoyed the sketch and praised comedians Rachel Parris and Russell Kane. One fan tweeted: "Who doesn't love a bit of #StrictlyComeDancing #RND2025 #ComicRelief"

Another viewer posted: "Get Russell Kane on #StrictlyComeDancing #ComicRelief. He did a charity comedy night in Leeds last night - top bloke."

Meanwhile, someone else suggested: "Rachel Parish and Russell Kane would be a great addition to a season of #Strictly for real! #ComicRelief."

The sketch ended with the amateur 'dancers' having their celebrity partners swapped at the last minute. Despite some backlash, Comic Relief raised an impressive £34,022,590.

 

In an emotional moment, host Davina McCall delivered a heartfelt message, saying: "I had a pretty mad year this year.

Doctors found a benign brain tumour by chance and after a lot of deliberating I had it removed. And it's quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever been through. This whole experience, weirdly weighing up all of the risks and all the positive things about having this tumour removed made me realise and made me really thing deeply about what life is all about and what really matters when life gets tough.

"I needed the brilliance and the skill of lots of experts to make me ok." Starting to tear up, the BBC star apologised before praising her family and friends for their support during her health journey.