Gogglebox ‘is hit by Ofcom complaints as viewers query whether stars are following social isolating rules amid coronavirus crisis’
Gogglebox has reportedly been hit by Ofcom complaints, as viewers criticised the show’s stars for not social isolating in their households during the coronavirus crisis.
According to a report from The Sun on Wednesday, the Channel 4 programme has been the subject of 20 complaints to the TV watchdog since last Tuesday.
The publication claimed that viewers were confused as to whether stars like sisters Izzie and Ellie or best pals Jenny and Lee were ignoring lockdown rules for the show, given they don’t live together.
Criticism: Gogglebox ‘was hit by Ofcom complaints as fans query whether stars are following lockdown rules amid COVID-19 crisis’ it was reported on Wednesday (pictured: Jenny and Lee)
Viewers were also said to question whether or not family members like brothers Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan Plummer and siblings Sophie and Pete were staying in the same house during the global pandemic.
Last week, a spokesperson told The Sun: ‘The majority of Friday’s episode was filmed before the Prime Minister’s address last Monday.
‘Since the updated Public Health England advice, any filming was subject to stricter filming protocols which are now fully in place. The health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount.’
MailOnline have contacted Ofcom for comment.
Complaints: It was claimed that viewers were confused as to whether stars like sisters Izzie and Ellie (pictured) were ignoring lockdown rules for the show, given they don’t live together
Some cast changes has been made since then, as Ellie’s boyfriend Nat appeared by her side instead of Izzie, while Jenny and Lee have decided to stay together.
Revealing their decision to fans on Twitter on March 27, Lee wrote: ‘Well what can we say it’s Friday and it’s still on #Gogglebox
‘Jenny and me watching together as we are both on lockdown TOGETHER friends with no benefits I may add, an hour of laughs stay safe stay well.’
Clarification: However, Lee revealed that he and Jenny have decided to stay together during the lockdown so they can film side-by-side
Last month, it was confirmed that the show will continue filming its current series while the nation is placed in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Channel 4 revealed that they will use rigged cameras in the stars living rooms to prevent crew members having to enter their homes.
Gogglebox has become a surprise fan favourite in recent years with its array of hilarious characters offering their reaction to the week in television.
According to Digital Spy, Gogglebox have come up with the new format to ‘ensure’ that the current series will remain on screens in the coming weeks.
We’ll be back! Channel 4 revealed they are using rigged cameras in the stars living rooms to prevent crew members having to enter their homes (pictured are husband and wife duo Giles and Mary)
The star’s living rooms will be fitted with rigged cameras to film their reactions, meaning no one from the show’s crew will come into contact with them.
Ian Katz, Channel 4’s director of programming, said: ‘The coronavirus outbreak is an enormous creative challenge for all broadcasters and though it is having a profound impact on getting some of our productions onto screen, it’s also a time when public service broadcasters like Channel 4 can step up and help people navigate through the extraordinary challenges we all now face.’
Gogglebox is one of few shows that will remain on screens during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already forced many TV shows to halt their filming.
Beloved: Gogglebox first debuted on screens in 2013 with various members of the public sharing their reaction to the week’s TV, and has become a national hit