Catherine Tate Sparks Outrage as Comic Relief Viewers Brand Her Nan and Lauren Cooper Sketches Excruciatingly Unfunny Across the UK

Comic Relief’s 2026 telethon kicked off with a familiar face, but not everyone was laughing.

Catherine Tate, 56, returned to revive her famous sketch characters Nan and Lauren Cooper during the charity show on Friday — a move that left some viewers openly unimpressed.

The comedian, who originally brought these characters to life on her award-winning sketch show from 2004 to 2007, opened the telethon as foul-mouthed Nan.

She then transitioned into schoolgirl Lauren Cooper for a classroom sketch.

While intended to be a nostalgic treat, social media quickly filled with viewers calling the sketches “excruciatingly unfunny.”

Nan Takes the Stage

Tate’s return as Nan began with a lively performance to Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, accompanied by backing dancers also dressed as pensioners.

The sketch took a playful twist when co-hosts Davina McCall and Joel Dommett were wheeled in on armchairs, adding a chaotic, comedic element to the opening number.

Despite the effort, many fans on X were quick to express disappointment.

One wrote: “Catherine Tate has surfaced as Nan again. Excruciatingly unfunny.”

Another added: “Jesus Christ @comicrelief @bbc get Catherine Tate off the show! She’s awful in that role!”

Lauren Cooper Makes an Appearance

Following the Nan sketch, Tate switched to her schoolgirl alter ego, Lauren Cooper, delivering her iconic line: “Am I Bovvered?”

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In this classroom sketch, Davina McCall stepped into the role of the exasperated teacher.

Comments poured in online, with users lamenting the revival of a character absent from television for roughly 15 years.

Critiques included: “That’s enough Catherine Tate thanks” and “Catherine Tate, so unfunny it’s painful.”

This isn’t Tate’s first Comic Relief revival; she previously appeared in sketches in 2007 with David Tennant, in 2009 alongside Alan Carr, and in 2021 with Daniel Craig.

Greg James Hits £2.8 Million Milestone on Charity Bike Challenge

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Radio 1 Breakfast DJ Greg James celebrated raising an astonishing £2.8 million for Comic Relief during his eight-day, 1,000km tandem bike ride.

His journey began in Galashiels, Scottish Borders, and was nearing the finish line in Edinburgh.

During a pit stop in North Middleton, Midlothian, just 16 miles from his final destination, Greg learned the fundraising total had jumped from £2.5 million to £2,823,694.

Overjoyed, he exclaimed: “2.8 million!! YESSS! Wow. We’re really moving! It is stupid now. But that’s fun. Silly things are fun aren’t they?”

James urged supporters to push the total even higher, dedicating the effort to Arthur, a nod to the bike’s oversized seat.

Impact and Consequences

Catherine Tate’s Comic Relief revival has sparked a divisive reaction online.

While some fans may still enjoy the nostalgia, many have voiced frustration, suggesting that certain characters may have lost their comedic charm over time.

On the other hand, Greg James’ fundraising feat highlights the positive outcomes of the telethon, demonstrating how the event continues to inspire generous contributions and nationwide support.

What’s Next?

Comic Relief will continue its live broadcast with further sketches, celebrity appearances, and fundraising challenges.

While Tate’s performance has drawn mixed reviews, the telethon’s main goal — raising money for charitable causes — remains in full swing.

Greg James is set to complete his ride in Edinburgh, rounding off a week-long challenge that has captured public attention and charity headlines.

Summary

Catherine Tate’s return to Comic Relief stirred a strong reaction on social media, with many fans criticizing her sketches as outdated and unfunny.

Meanwhile, Greg James’ charity bike ride brought in an impressive £2.8 million, emphasizing the telethon’s ongoing success in raising funds for important causes.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Catherine Tate reprised her characters Nan and Lauren Cooper on Comic Relief 2026.
• Fans on X widely criticized the sketches, calling them “excruciatingly unfunny.”
• Nan opened the show with a musical number featuring co-hosts Davina McCall and Joel Dommett.
• Lauren Cooper appeared in a classroom sketch, prompting nostalgia and mixed reactions.
• Greg James cycled 1,000km over eight days, raising £2.8 million for Comic Relief.
• The telethon continues with live sketches, fundraising challenges, and celebrity appearances.