James Nesbitt divides Irish viewers with contradictory Coronation Concert speech
Irish actor James Nesbitt has been hit with. harsh criticism for making an appearance at King Charles' Coronation concert on Sunday.
The actor, 58, from Antrim in Northern Ireland, spoke about all the wonders of the UK in his gushing speech - but many Irish viewers felt as though his appearance at the Coronation was a 'slap in the face' given that just weeks ago, he spoke about his hope for an United Ireland in the near future.
James, who has acted in movies including Waking Ned and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies recited poetry in front of the royal family and the newly Coronated King.
And while many viewers were happy to see the actor on stage, others on the Emerald Isle were less than impressed.
Taking to Twitter, they shared their frustrations at the Northern Irish actor.
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Viewers were surprised to see James at the Coronation concert"Bit weird having James Nesbitt, a bloke who wants to kick the UK off the island of Ireland, participating in the #CoronationConcert," one complained.
"James Nesbitt? Why? #CoronationConcert," another echoed.
A third quipped: "Where's St Patrick when you need him to abolish James Nesbitt from Ireland."
"James Nesbitt won’t be invited to Ireland's Future again in a hurry," someone else joked.
"Ummmmm why is James Nesbitt at the Coronation after saying he wants a United Ireland? Nothing surprises me anymore," another fumed.
Irish viewers hit out at the actorElsewhere, others were happy to see the actor at the historic ceremony.
"Guys, just leave it be for one night maybe. He's from NORTHERN Ireland, where some consider themselves as British," one Twitter user argued.
"Leave James Nesbitt alone!! He's a national treasure," another echoed.
"Isn't a sign that time has healed to see an Irish man at the Coronation," someone else voiced.
Tonight, viewers were treated to an elaborate and star-studded concert at Windsor Castle to celebrate the Coronation, with the likes of Katy Perry, Take That, Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli taking to the stage.
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Others defended the actor (BBC)The Coronation Choir - a group comprised of the nation's community choirs and amateur singers from across the UK - will also make an appearance alongside The Virtual Choir, which is made up of singers from across the Commonwealth.
Notting Hill star Hugh Bonneville hosted the concert, and the show also featured pre-recorded video sketches from Top Gun star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, Bear Grylls and Sir Tom Jones, who will recite a number of facts about the monarch.
Preparations for tonight's concert have not been without numerous hiccups along the way.
Freya was forced to pull out of the concert (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Not least, a number of major A-Listers turning down the opportunity to perform, be it due to conflicting schedules or their republican stance.
Unfortunately, there have also been a few last minute changes to the schedule due to dropouts over the last few days.
Singer Freya Ridings has been forced to pull out due to sickness, while Zoe Ball announced just hours before the concert began this evening that she would not be taking part.
The Radio 2 DJ said that she was "absolutely gutted" to be unable to attend, saying: "The sickness bug has got me."
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