Amanda Holden has defended her Royal Variety Performance appearance after viewers criticised her presenting skills alongside pal Alan Carr

Amanda Holden has taken to social media to defend her presenting role at the Royal Variety Performance alongside Alan Carr, after the pair's hosting skills were slammed by fans

Viewers were divided by Alan Carr and Amanda Holden's opening as the new Royal Variety Performance hosts. The BGT judge, 53, and stand-up comedian, 48, kicked off last night's show (15 December) with a series of 'awkward' jokes as some fans wished it was 2023 host Bradley Walsh, 64, up there instead.

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden fired back over fan complaints about her hosting ITV's Royal Variety Performance.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr made their hosting debut at the Royal Variety Performance 2022, but fans quickly made it clear they weren't impressed with the duo's stint

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have been criticised for their “awkward” opening exchange at the start of the Royal Variety Performance. This year’s fundraising show was aired on ITV on Sunday (15 December), but was pre-recorded in November at the Royal Albert Hall with King Charles III in attendance.

Celebrity pals like Eamonn Holmes, Amir Khan, Romesh Ranganathan and Gemma Atkinson rallied round with comments

Royal Variety Performance viewers hit out at Amanda Holden and Alan Carr's opening of the annual event and made it clear who they would prefer to host the show

Amanda Holden ‘defends’ herself and Alan Carr after Royal Variety Performance hosting criticism - The presenters co-hosted this year’s show at the Royal Albert Hall