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12th April 2023
04:35pm BST
This Morning has been hit with a string of Ofcom complaints after viewers were left unhappy with a remark Alison Hammond made.
According to The Sun, some 66 complaints were made about the ITV show's April 7 broadcast about a row over theatre etiquette.
Both hosts, Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, have since issued statements on the controversy.
Hammond and O'Leary hosted a discussion, along with Nick Ferrari and talkTV presenter Vanessa Feltz, about a theatre performance being stopped after members of the audience started singing.
It came after police were scrambled to a row at Palace Theatre, Manchester, after audience members watching The Bodyguard began "trying to sing over the cast".
After explaining what had happened on This Morning, Hammond said: "I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now.”
Viewers weren't happy, so much so that both Hammond and O'Leary issued apologies on Twitter.
Hammond 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.
"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."
She went on to say she is 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".
Hammond said that, on Thursday, she attended a performance of GBBO the musical "which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family."
She continued to say that she wants to use her 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".
Hammond ended her statement by saying: "Once again I am truly sorry but trust me I will do better in the future."
O'Leary sought to clarify what he was saying, rather than apologise, by writing: "Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview… as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres. "Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards."
Both Hammond and O'Leary are off air this week with Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle standing in.
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