Prince William and Stephen Fry surprise 'Big Night In' viewers with 'Blackadder' sketch

Big Night In viewers were charmed as Prince William made a surprise appearance on the telethon in a Blackadder sketch and joked about missing EastEnders.

Children In Need and Comic Relief have teamed up for the broadcast to raise money in the fight against coronavirus and a host of stars are taking part.

However, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s involvement was under wraps.

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Prince William appeared about an hour into the BBC show, in a sketch in which Stephen Fry’s Blackadder character Lord Melchett was trying to give him tips on home schooling during a zoom call.

Showing his sense of humour, the Prince admitted teaching his three children had its challenges and joked about the TV schedules being disrupted by saying it was “hell without EastEnders”.

The royal asked if there was anything good on TV and Melchett suggested Netflix's Tiger King, to which Prince William replied: "I tend to avoid anything about royalty."

As Fry gently reminded the Prince that it was almost 8pm, the time to go outside for Clap For Carers, he quipped that he didn’t have on any shoes, socks or trousers.

Prince William then headed outside where he stood with wife Kate and their children George, Charlotte and Louis to clap.

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Viewers loved the special sketch.

“Prince William and Lord Melchett – absolute genius,” said one person on Twitter, while many called it “fabulous”.

“Prince William saying it’s a nightmare without EastEnders on the tv LOVE That,” said another.

“Stephen Fry and Prince William is the comedy sketch I didn’t know I needed,” said another.

Fry appeared as Melchett in two series of British sitcom Blackadder.