This Morning has been slapped with 66 Ofcom complaints following backlash over a discussion involving theatre performers after audience members were removed from a stage show for singing.
On Wednesday (April 5), Alison Hammond and her co-host Dermot O’Leary welcomed viewers back to the ITV daytime show where they discussed the latest news in the headlines.
The pair discussed a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester where police were called to break up an audience bust-up which cancelled the show.
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The 48-year-old presenter sparked controversy when she shared her disappointment over not being able to sing during a live performance.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She fumed: “I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now.”
Later that evening, the mum-of-one issued an apology on her Instagram Story to her 1.3million followers online.
She wrote: “After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday’s show I want to apologise to anyone who I offended, especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the upmost respect for.
(Image: The Morning/Twitter)
“I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday’s show, and for that I’m truly sorry.
“I am a great supporter of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance, I was wrong in what I said and I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past few days and believe I was wrong.”
The presenter went on to recall how she attended a performance of The Great British Bake Off: The Musical where she reflected on her experience.
(Image: The Morning/Twitter)
The broadcaster went on: “On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family.
“I want to use my platform for good as always and want to stand up with the performers, front of house and theatre staff especially after seeing what happened at The Bodyguard in Manchester which has made me sick to my stomach.”
However her apology wasn’t enough for former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips, who replied: “Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say, you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in.”
(Image: ITV)
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Co-host Dermot O’Leary insisted the pair were actually saying people should not sing loudly during performances on the ITV afternoon show.
In his own statement, he wrote: “A lot of people commenting about a reaction to a story we covered on This Morning about the ‘Bodyguard’ show and audiences singing along.
“Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview… as I was actually urging AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.
“Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards,. Peace and love to all. Now, back to those Easter eggs… Dx,” he concluded.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
