Michael McIntyre’s Big Show slammed by BBC viewers for ‘offensive’ joke as they switch off: ‘So grating’
Viewers of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show have criticised Saturday night’s episode over jokes deemed insensitive during the cost of living crisis.
The BBC programme faced backlash after the comedian mocked former boxer Tony Bellew’s money-saving apps during the Send to All segment.
Multiple viewers reported switching off the show after McIntyre and the studio audience laughed at Bellew’s collection of loyalty apps, including those for Lidl and Toby Carvery.
During the Send to All segment, Bellew handed his phone over to McIntyre, who examined its contents before sending a message to the boxer’s contacts.
The studio audience was shown laughing as McIntyre highlighted Bellew’s frugal app choices.
The segment also included McIntyre composing a text message to Bellew’s contacts, asking: “Just been asked in an interview who’s the person I’ve met with the most punchable face and I said you. Hope you don’t mind.”
Viewers took to social media to express their frustration with the segment’s tone.
“What? Is the audience actually laughing at someone who likes to spend carefully, and actively looks for bargains? In this economy?” one viewer posted on X.
Another wrote: “Turned #BigShow off. So grating. But it feels a bit sickly to be laughing at people for using loyalty apps (even though celebs can afford not to) when regular people are struggling.”
“Turned it off. Utter BS. Bring back Noel’s House Party!” a third viewer commented.
Someone else who was annoyed with the mocking said: “Not finding the funny side to someone trying to save money in this day and age… No matter how much money he might have,”
Critics specifically targeted the Send to All segment, with many calling for it to be removed from the show entirely.
“Send To All should be scrapped. It’s dull and too contrived,” one viewer demanded, with another agreeing: “Totally agree. The most boring part of any episode.”
Some viewers expressed disappointment that no one had responded to the message sent to Bellew’s contacts, with one writing: “Gutted that Tony Bellew’s mum or any other family member, didn’t reply to that message on #MichaelMcIntyresBigShow.” (sic)
Last month McIntyre announced a huge change to Big Show ahead of the current series.
Speaking to The Sun’s TV Mag, the comedian explained: “The big news is that we have a new item called ‘Remember Me’ where a celebrity sits in the royal box and a person from any time in their past appears on stage and asks the question: ‘Remember me?'”
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He continued: “It could be anyone from the midwife who birthed them, to a holiday romance, or the driver who brought them to the theatre.
“I play it with Miranda Hart, Alan Carr and Holly Willoughby, with hilarious results.”