UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was met with loud boos from the audience during the Royal Variety Performance after his voice was introduced in a comedy sketch, leaving viewers stunned as the moment aired on ITV. The incident took place during a segment by radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers, performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey. As the sketch moved through a series of political and celebrity impressions, the mention of Starmer’s voice triggered what one reviewer described as “deeply meant booing” from the packed Royal Albert Hall.

The reaction was impossible to miss. Fans watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the moment, with one writing: “Ha ha kier starmer getring booed on royal variety quality.” Another added: “Wonderful to see Keir Starmer roundly booed when he was mentioned in the ‘Dead Ringers’ sketch at #royalvariety.”