BBC Comic Relief host Tom Allen suffers ‘awkward’ wardrobe blunder minutes into show and is forced to change
Comic Relief returned to screens tonight for its milestone 40th anniversary, bringing together the UK’s finest talent for the annual Red Nose Day spectacular.
In a notable first for the charitable programme, Sir Lenny Henry was absent from the presenting lineup after decades at the helm.
Instead, a fresh roster of familiar faces took charge of the iconic show, including Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond and Rylan Clark.
They were joined by Alesha Dixon, Tom Allen and AJ Odudu for an evening promised to be filled with laughter and fundraising.
Just minutes into the show, however, Allen found himself at the centre of an embarrassing wardrobe mishap.
He first appeared on screen wearing a checked jumper, standing out amongst his smartly dressed co-presenters who were in suits and formal attire.
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The comedian had misunderstood the dress code for the evening’s 80s theme, and rather than wearing something from the 1980s era, Allen had dressed as though he were in his eighties.
His cosy checked jumper made him look like “an 85-year-old man” by his own admission, creating an awkward but amusing moment on the live broadcast.
The moment quickly turned into playful banter as Clark directly addressed the outfit choice on air and asked: “Tom I love you mate but what have you got on?”
Allen explained his confusion with good humour: “Well this is a bit embarrassing because I genuinely thought we were asked to dress like we were in our 80s rather than from the 80s so I’ve come dressed as an 85-year-old man.”
Hammond had moments earlier complimented Jonathan Ross on his “80s suit,” only for him to respond: “Honey this is a new suit, this is not an 80s suit.”
Despite the gentle teasing, Allen appeared to take the wardrobe mishap in his stride and later appeared in a smart suit, aligning with the formal attire of his fellow presenters.
Allen wasn’t the only one to cause a stir with his outfit choice, as many viewers at home were left distracted by Dixon’s dress choice.
The singer donned a white mini dress which was ruffled along the top, accompanied by some black tights and black shoes.
Taking issue with her choice of attire for the evening, one fan penned on X: “What’s she wearing an old sheet? looks like she wants the toilet!”
Another added: “Has Aleisha just rolled out of bed to answer the door?”
A third said: ”What on earth is Alesha Dixon wearing, looks like a mucky unironed sheet.” (sic)
The Comic Relief fundraising extravaganza continued with its usual mix of comedy and appeals.