The One Show Viewers Cringe as John Cleese Pretends He Has No Idea Who Hosts Roman Kemp and Lauren Laverne Are

John Cleese created an unexpectedly awkward moment on The One Show after joking that he had no idea who presenters Roman Kemp and Lauren Laverne were.

The 86-year-old comedy legend appeared on Tuesday’s edition of the BBC programme to discuss the enduring legacy of the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But before getting very far into the conversation, Cleese turned his attention to the two people interviewing him — and launched into a deadpan routine that left some viewers unsure how the hosts should respond.

John Cleese puts Roman Kemp on the spot

Roman Kemp, 33, and Lauren Laverne, 48, were hosting the episode, with Cleese appearing alongside fellow guests Grace Dent, Shakira Khan and Jay McGuinness.

After the guests were introduced and welcomed with applause, Cleese looked towards Roman and casually remarked: “I like this show, what’s your name?”

Roman responded by giving him his name, only for the Fawlty Towers star to continue the joke.

“I’ve ever known only one Roman – Roman Polanski,” Cleese quipped.

Roman pointed out that Polanski was “another famous Roman,” while Cleese maintained his deadpan delivery and repeated the observation.

He then shifted his attention towards Lauren and asked Roman: “Who’s your friend?”

Lauren duly introduced herself, allowing the conversation to continue.

Viewers divided over the awkward exchange

Cleese was clearly playing around with the presenters, but the deliberately uncomfortable nature of the exchange caught the attention of viewers watching at home.

Some felt Roman and Lauren struggled to find a response to the veteran comedian’s unpredictable style of humour.

“Awkward chatter with John Cleese,” one viewer wrote on X.

Another suggested Cleese had deliberately put the presenters in a difficult position, writing: “He’s toying with them and they don’t know how to respond.”

The moment was characteristic of the dry, provocative humour that has defined much of Cleese’s career, which includes his celebrated portrayal of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers as well as his work with Monty Python.

Cleese preparing for Holy Grail tour

His appearance on The One Show comes ahead of a series of events celebrating Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Cleese is set to introduce screenings of the beloved comedy at venues across England next month as part of a tour titled John Cleese and the Holy Grail.

The run begins on September 1 and continues through September 22, covering 18 dates in total.

The events will once again put the veteran comedian in front of audiences to revisit one of the most famous films from his long career — more than five decades after Monty Python and the Holy Grail became a comedy classic.