JASON Manford has left Brits in stitches before even stepping on stage, after admitting he mistakenly took a sleeping pill instead of an anti-anxiety tablet before a gig.
The comedian, 43, was performing two shows at The Queen’s Hall in Hexham, Northumberland, yesterday.
Having taken one of the tablets 30 minutes before his first performance, he realised his error ahead of the second.
Sharing his gaffe with fans online, he jokingly dubbed it as “one of the most laid-back gigs” he had ever done.
Manford said he had accidentally taken the sleeping tablet Zopiclone instead of the anti-anxiety medication.
He was honest in admitting it helped with worries about life and his children, claiming his gigs were “almost the sanest place” in his life.
He posted a picture of himself seemingly in his dressing room at the venue to illustrate the effects, with his eyes closed as if he was about to doze off.
He shared the snap to social media yesterday with the caption: “Always check medicine labels kids.
“I thought I was taking an anti-anxiety tablet 30 minutes before my first gig, but it was in fact a sleeping tablet.
“One of the most laid-back gigs I’ve ever performed. And now the second.”
It has since received over 980 likes and more than 80 comments from social media users left chuckling, but also praising his honesty.
One said: “Thank you for being human and making me feel okay for having to take one before I go to work at the moment.
“If it can happen to you it can happen to anyone. This helps normalise mental health.”
A second wrote: “Oh dear, hope the second show goes well and you don’t have to drive yourself home tonight, if you do please be careful.”
Another commented: “I once took two Nytol tablets at 7am thinking they were paracetamol (both in a blue box). I was late to work that day.”
A fourth added: “We would never have known in the second show. Thanks for a fantastic night out, very funny as always.
“I also learned that Hexham doesn’t do Uber (we must be spoilt in Newcastle).”
Another quipped: “In 2025, Jason Manford tours his new show ‘Pillow Talk’.”
