Alan Carr said he was a member of an "endangered species" as a question on his Epic Gameshow revealed the apparent unpopularity of his name. Hosting a celebrity edition of Play Your Cards Right, the comedian was "insulted" to learn just 3% of parents surveyed by the programme would name their child 'Alan' today.
Mo Farah and Russell Kane were among the famous faces playing the rebooted ITV game show, which was originally presented by Bruce Forsyth in the 1980s. The contestants were tasked with estimating what percentage of people agreed with a certain statement before the opposing team guessed whether the correct answer was "higher or lower".
In response to the question – "We asked 100 parents: 'would you ever name your child Alan'. How many said yes?" – Farah and his wife Tania answered "45%". Kane, who was playing alongside his wife Lindsey, kick-started the somewhat inevitable insults with: "Lower, it's about 2% [...] Garys and Alans are dying names".
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The quip proved to be more personal than was seemingly intended, as Carr replied: "That's my brother's name, Gary, did you know that? Why don't you slag off my mum and dad and all?"
After the correct answer of 3% was revealed, Carr continued: "Honestly, we're like an endangered species. Me and Alan Titchmarsh will have to start a breeding programme.
"You were right to go lower. It's insulting for me but it's great for you because you get control of the board."
Commenting on the events on Twitter, @WhoPotterVian said: "As if Russell Kane slagged off both Alan Carr and his brother in one fell swoop. He's not going to be invited to any Alan Carr shows in the future! #EpicGameshow"
@EnfieldGarry added: "Alan’s brother is called Gary, wow. #EpicGameshow"
@ItsJo3M posted: "#Fact: 3% of people would name your children Alan #EpicGameshow @ITV"
The show ended with the Farahs victorious. The couple chose to donate their winnings to Oasis Children's Charity.
Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow continues next Saturday at 7pm on ITV with Bullseye.
