Comic Relief viewers make common complaint about show and question whether it's necessary

Comedians are out in force tonight for the return of Comic Relief - but viewers reckon the show's gone a tad overboard on the other talent.

Celebrating it's fourth decade on air and coming live from Salford, the BBC show aims to raise some money while making us all laugh in the process each year.

That's right - we're on our 40th Red Nose Day, people.

The cash raised helps support those facing poverty in the UK and around the world.

Since Comic Relief's conception in 1985, the charity has received more than £1.6 billion in donations which has supported more than 100 million people.

It's a good cause and a great bit of telly rolled into one - but viewers reckon the Comic Relief stage looks a bit crowded this evening (21 March).

People have been pointing out that they don't say too many cooks spoil the broth for nothing...as apparently, this phrase also applies when it comes to charity fundraisers too.

Viewers have all been saying the same thing about the number of presenters (BBC)

Sir Lenny Henry, who launched Comic Relief in 1985 with Richard Curtis, is normally at the helm of the show, but last year was his final presenting gig.

Revealing why he'd decided to stop hosting the show, he previously said: "I think it is time to hand over the reins because there is an extraordinary new generation of talent and we need to give these people and their audiences access to what Comic Relief can do and how we can raise money together.

"I'm a life president for the charity and I'm still going to be supporting other Comic Relief and Red Nose Day projects throughout the year, like recruiting new talent, doing voiceovers etc. So I'll still be around, just not onscreen."

Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Alesha Dixon are all presenting Comic Relief on BBC One this year.

Tom Allen and AJ Odudu are then taking over from 10pm on BBC Two.

But social media users reckon that all of these hosts might be a bit excessive.

Jonathon Ross is among the eight celebs hosting the show this year (Nicky Johnston/Comic Relief via Getty Images)

Taking to X to share their complaints, one said: "Why does Comic Relief need 8 presenters? I get if it goes on for hours but it is only on until 10pm, we don't need 8 presenters, I think they should only have 4 presenters, 2 for the first half and 2 for the second half. 8 is far too many presenters."

Another added: "Does Comic Relief really need all those presenters? Wonder if there getting paid."

A third wrote: "Do we really need 8 presenters for Comic Relief? They’re getting like one line of dialogue each."

And a fourth chimed in: "How many presenters do they need for a 4hour show!!!! I hope they are not getting paid as that would probably cost all tonight’s donations."

Funnily enough, the official Comic Relief account replied to this user with an explanation about whether the stars who present the show are financially rewarded.

The post read: "All of our presenters donate their time to help make the show magical."