THE One Show viewers were left cringing last night after John Cleese told the hosts he had no idea who they were.
Comedy legend John, 86, featured on Tuesday’s episode to discuss the legacy of classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
An awkward moment saw John Cleese reveal on The One Show that he didn’t know who the hosts were Credit: BBC Lauren Laverne and Roman Kemp hosted Tuesday’s episode of the BBC show Credit: BBCHe chatted to Roman Kemp and Lauren Laverne – but the funnyman clearly decided to have some fun and claimed he didn’t have a clue who he was chatting to.
The hilarious encounter began soon ater Roman, 33, and Lauren, 48, introduced guests John, Grace Dent, Shakira Khan and Jay McGuinness.
Following applause for the group, John deadpanned to Roman: “I like this show, what’s your name?”
The presenter replied by saying his name, to which the Fawlty Towers star then quipped: “I’ve ever known only one Roman – Roman Polanski.”
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Roman remarked Polanski was “another famous Roman”, while John kept the gag up, repeating this statement.
The joker then turning his attention to Lauren, adding: “Who’s your friend?”, prompting Lauren to also introduce herself.
While it was clear John was messing around with Roman and Lauren, viewers at home found the exchange uncomfortable and claimed the hosts were out of their depth trying to respond to John’s humour.
One viewer wrote on X: “Awkward chatter with John Cleese.”
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Another penned: “He’s toying with them and they don’t know how to respond.”
It comes as John is set to introduce screenings of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at various venues across England next month.
Titled John Cleese and the Holy Grail, this tour will run from September 1 to September 22, spanning 18 dates altogether.