Phil and Holly aren’t getting away with anything at the moment
This Morning has been hit with nearly 400 Ofcom complaints from disgruntled viewers, in the aftermath of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s queue jumping row.
As the furore over their appearance at Queen Elizabeth’s lying in state continues to rumble on, the communications watchdog reported that the ITV show’s Spin To Win game did not go down well with viewers.
#ThisMorning has turned completely dystopian and Black Mirror by offering to pay energy bills as a competition prize. pic.twitter.com/hs1DD6NXbo
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 5, 2022
Incredibly depressing. And the guy sounds so relived makes me sad.
— Estefi Palacio (@estefipalacio) September 5, 2022
The show had already received 170 complaints for the “dystopian” Black Mirror-esque twist to the traditional format earlier this month, which gave players the chance to win payment of their energy bills.
The Mirror reported on Wednesday, that the number of complaints had now more than doubled to nearly 400, with 200 fresh complaints coming in.
The energy bill prize didn’t go down well with everyone given the cost of living crisis and soaring energy prices.
Viewers were left divided after a contestant was gifted payment for his energy bills for four months. Phone-in players are usually in with a chance of winning cash prizes of up to £3000.
#ThisMorning having 'energy bills' as a prize on their Spin To Win is the most dystopian and sad reflection on society right now… How did we get to this point? Madness.
— Lewis Treleaven (@LewisTreleaven) September 5, 2022
After social media users skewered ITV over the prize, Schofield addressed viewers, much to the amusement of Willoughby, saying: “Everyone’s talking about it.”
He said the energy bill prize had now been ditched and his “generous boss” had instead increased the money on offer.
“Our boss has been incredibly generous, he’s decided to increase the money to include all of your household bills.
“Mortgage, petrol, food, energy, you decide. We will pay your bills until the end of the year up to the value of £3000.” This Morning continues weekdays on ITV.”
Related links:
- Holly and Phil address nation over ‘skipping queue’ backlash to see Queen’s coffin
- Over 14,000 people sign petition to get Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield axed from This Morning
- Huw Edwards takes ‘swipe’ at This Morning’s Phil and Holly after queue jumping backlash
- This Morning forced to issue statement on Holly and Phillip queue jumping
- This Morning goes full Black Mirror by offering to pay energy bills as prizes
