Jason Manford has delivered a cutting response to a BBC viewer who took exception to a gag he made during Big Night of Musicals on Saturday.
The comedian and stage star was the master of ceremonies for the huge Musicals arena spectacular, recorded at the AO Arena in Manchester last week.
The one-off programme saw casts of an array of hit West End shows entertain a packed crowd, with stars from the likes of Bat Out of Hell, Frozen, The Wiz, The Lion King and Tina all appearing.
Another ensemble to grace the stage were the cast of School of Rock, including a batch of talented youngsters.
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Introducing their performance, Jason said: "These next performers will make you look at your own kids and think...what's the point of you?"
While the joke received plenty of laughter from the arena audience, one person watching at home on BBC1 was far from impressed and reacted by quoting Jason's gag back to him on Instagram, adding: ""Call me a Karen, I get the joke, but I find this really f**king insulting."
Jason replied: "good. I actually meant specifically for your kids, so really pleased that came across."
Jason shared the thread to his Twitter, writing: "My New Year resolution was to stop replying to people being d**ks. But I just can't help it!"
The comic received the backing of many of his followers, with one responding: "This made me laugh. Having seen School Of Rock and had to listen to my own kids fail at playing the recorder, I have often had this thought."
Another told him: "must admit when you said it I thought, watch out Jase someone will be upset" and a third, who actually ended the show, reacted: "I was sat in the audience with the mums of the the school of rock kids they where so proud ,my 25yr old daughter still can't use the washer lol."
One Twitter user told him: "problem is you can read this and interrupt your reply as bullying...best not to reply..keep to new year resolution..always be nice," but Jason had a defiant response to them as well, replying: "Nah I’m fine with that, there’s no bullying at at all and you know it. If you heckle a comedian you’re gonna get a comeback."
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