This Morning has been hit with Ofcom complaints after some viewers seriously contested a piece of advice shared about travel.
Viewers took to the broadcasting watchdog after the ITV show’s travel expert Simon Calder shared his tips on where to go on holiday during half-term.
He spoke to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about how to go away during the pandemic safely, considering Covid restrictions.
However, some viewers claimed it was “unacceptable” for Simon to suggest people could travel to mid-Wales as areas of south and north Wales are currently under local lockdown restrictions.
Machynlleth in Powys and Aberystwyth in Ceredigion were both regions Simon suggested viewers could visit.
Simon Calder shared his tips on where to go on holiday during half-term (Image: ITV)
But some fans insisted that it wasn’t right to suggest getaways to the place where so many neighbouring regions were under restrictions.
Plenty of viewers praised Simon’s segment as they were glad they could holiday somewhere during the half-term, but Ofcom confirmed they’d been flooded with complaints.
They told Manchester Evening News that complaints had risen over 100.
Some people seemed more annoyed by Simon’s final remark as he said: “Wales is easy,” in terms of being a place to spend a UK holiday.
This Morning have been hit with Ofcom complaints (Image: ITV)
One viewer wrote: “Shame that most people living in Wales aren’t allowed to visit these lovely places- might be a good reason for this though. Just a thought…”
While another added: “Why on earth are you suggesting mid wales for half term staycations as we are the only ones not in lockdown!! We will be after you send everyone here.”
Simon stands by his advice, especially considering that Visit Wales – part of the Welsh government – recommended the same regions as he did to travel to.
Ofcom reportedly received over 100 complaints after the holiday segment (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He told the Mirror Online: “I understand the deep concern of any community that is fearful of outsiders spreading this vile virus. Quite rightly, it is for the people of Wales to decide whether, when and which tourists should visit the nation.
Simon added: “Ahead of the broadcast I saw that Visit Wales, part of the Welsh government, was recommending exactly the same locations as me: the town of Machynlleth and Cardigan Bay resorts such as Aberystwyth.”
Daily Star Online has contacted representatives from ITV for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
