Nish Kumar sparks BBC Hootenanny 'switch off' threats with 'unnecessary' politics swipe: 'Hugely unfunny!'
WATCH HERE: Jools Holland introduces the 2025 hootenanny
BBC
Comedian Nish Kumar, 39, sparked outrage during an appearance on the BBC’s Hootenanny New Year’s Eve celebrations with 66-year-old Jools Holland.
Holland’s beloved festivities have been broadcast since 1994 and see fans ring in the new year with the boogie-woogie pianist, his band and a host of musical and showbiz guests.
Tuesday's edition saw a wide range of musical talent perform, including Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, CMAT, Kathy Sledge, Roger Taylor, JADE, and The Dead South.
During the show, the presenter drifted over to a table attended by comedian Jo Brand, comic actor Mawaan Rizwan and former The Mash Report host Nish Kumar.
“Any particular things you want to look back on or look forward to now we’re in 2025?” Holland asked as he sat with the three.
Kumar responded quickly with a political swipe: “Well, the Conservative Party lost the election, and I was rock hard for a week, Jools. And at 39, that’s actually quite hard to come by.”
Holland spoke to Kumar about his thoughts on 2024
BBC
The audience tittered with laughter as Kumar continued: “In the interest of BBC balance, I already hate the Labour Government. Sowe’re all good!
“One way or another, we’re covered. I am permanently unsatisfied,” he concluded.
Holland laughed briefly and swiftly moved on, asking the comic if he had any resolutions for the year.
Kumar jokingly answered that he would like to covertly join the band Jungle to improve their representation with: “A fat Indian guy.”
Some viewers were unimpressed with Kumar's political jokes
BBC
Despite his self-deprecation, some Hootenanny viewers were deeply unimpressed by the comedian’s “as funny as toothache” comments and shared their dissatisfaction on social media.
“Nish Kumar is a ***e and it was absolutely unnecessary to bring politics into a New Year celebration... #Hootenanny,” one raged.
Another slammed: “State of Nish Kumar's bit on the Tories just now. Hugely unfunny try-hard. #Hootenanny”
“Nish bringing in politics was wrong,” a third commented.
Some viewers went as far to claim Kumar’s segment “spoiled” some of the atmosphere and threatened to switch the whole show off.
“Popped on to #Hootenanny, Nish Kumar spoke briefly. Off. Has never been and will never be even remotely amusing,” one disappointed viewer complained.
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Holland swiftly moved past the jokes to ask about the comedians New Years resolutions
BBC
Another simply wrote: “Nish Kumar on = TV off.”
Kumar wasn’t the only guest who divided viewers opinions, with Bob Geldof's “ridiculous” behaviour leaving some fans unhappy.
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