The star was deeply affected by one of the films shown.
Davina McCall wiped away a tear after an emotional film on Comic Relief (Image: BBC)
The Masked Singer judge Davina McCall struggled to contain herself as she presented this year’s Comic Relief on the BBC on Friday March 20. The 58-year-old mum of three was visibly emotional after watching a film about a community worker whose baby had died. The film was intended to highlight the fact that in certain parts of the world, many children don’t live past the age of five. As the camera cut back to her, Davina struggled to hold herself together as she commented on the film.
“Mothers, helping mothers. I love to see it,” she said as her voice cracked. “Community health workers are needed now more than ever…She went through something so terrible, and she decided to help others save the lives of their children. All of us watching tonight, we’ve all got something in common. Hey guys, we all made it past our fifth birthday. But isn’t that something that every child deserves?” she asked.
“I know times are hard, but just give what you can. It means the world. Thank you.” She wiped a tear from her eye as her struggle became more obvious, and she cut to Catherine Tate, who reprised her role as Joanie Taylor aka Nan, the foul-mouthed pensioner, asking her to tell people how they could donate.
Prior to the emotional moment, the show had been flooded with complaints over Tate’s opening number as the controversial pensioner.
While she seemed to be enjoying herself, performing a version of Queen‘s “Don’t Stop Me Now” with male and female dancers dressed in similar attire to her matronly dress and sleeveless cardigan, fans of the telethon were not amused
Many took to X to complain just minutes into the show. “How much do we need to pledge to get Catherine Tate to stop singing? What an awful introduction,” one fumed.
Davina McCall became emotional while presenting this year’s Comic Relief (Image: BBC)
“Sorry Comic Relief, I was scrolling rather than watching anyway, but as soon as I heard Catherine Tate doing “Nan,” off you went! Can not f****** stand that. It was c**p 20yrs ago,” another raged.
Meanwhile, a third chimed in: “I remember when you were actually funny. This one starts with Catherine Tate as Nan, and it is so bad.” A fourth concured penning: Well #comicrelief got off to a c*** start. Catherine Tate singing. This is awful.”
However, the character did prove popular in some quarters, with others exclaiming their delight at seeing her back on screen.
“Joannie ‘Nan’ Taylor, as portrayed by Catherine Tate. What an icon!” a fifth viewer opined. Meanwhile, a sixth delightedly penned: “Joannie ‘Nan’ Taylor, long time no see!”
