One of late comedy legend Barry Humphries’ last-ever dwell TV appearances was such a masterclass in cringe-worthy comedy, it sparked a fierce debate about whether or not it was actual or staged.
Humphries, who died aged 89 on Saturday having been readmitted to hospital after breaking a hip, appeared on UK chat present This Morning in November 2021 for a short however hilarious interview.
The present is normally hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, who had made headlines the 12 months earlier than when he got here out as homosexual on the age of 57.
With the common hosts away, Humphries was as a substitute interviewed by well-liked UK TV presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Poker face on, Humphries supplied some phrases of congratulations to O’Leary that made it instantly clear he was mistaking him for Schofield.
“Incidentally, I want to congratulate you, by the way – seriously, on your courage,” he started, as O’Leary – who has been married to a girl since 2012 – seemed on nervously.
Hammond immediately twigged what was occurring and set free an almighty chuckle.
“Last year, when he came out and told us about his sexuality – I think a lot of people respected you for that,” Humphries continued.
“Thank you. I’ll pass that on to the gentleman that’s here from Monday to Thursday,” a flustered O’Leary responded.
“What?” requested Humphries, wanting off-camera confusedly.
“Your bravery was amazing,” he continued, as Hammond stored wheezing with laughter.
The incident sparked a lot debate amongst UK viewers about whether or not it was a real, toe-curling gaffe or a wonderfully delivered joke from Humphries – however anybody accustomed to the humour of the person answerable for deadpan comedian creations like Dame Edna Everage and Les Patterson would recognise he was very a lot in on the joke.
As one Humphries fan identified on the time, he’s made an identical joke on UK TV earlier than, this time dressed as Dame Edna – right here’s Edna mistaking The One Show presenter Alex Jones for this system’s earlier host, Christine Lampard:
As one particular person on Twitter wrote: “Humphries knew EXACTLY what he was doing. Years ago, he did an interview at our local radio station. Spent an hour beforehand wandering around the place, talking to as many on-air staff as he could find. Then sent them all up, by name, during his piece. Meticulous, professional.”
“Nothing accidental about this,” wrote one other particular person on Twitter.
“Barry Humphries is a comedy legend; he knows what he’s doing.”
Source: www.news.com.au
