‘Gogglebox’ was hit by complaints after viewers accused the show of breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.
The Channel 4 series – which sees best friends Lee Riley and Jenny Newby, and others, react to British TV from their own homes – received 20 Ofcom complaints about the episode which aired on March 27, as fans believed the stars were breaking lockdown rules.
But a spokesperson told The Sun Online: "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."
Since the lockdown measurements have been in place, some famous faces have been replaced with other household members to help stop the spread of the respiratory disease.
Izzi, who is usually spotted with her sister Ellie, was replaced by Ellie’s boyfriend Nat, and the Plummer brothers, Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan were not seen.
Sid Siddiqui, who is in his 70s, has skipped filming for the past two weeks but sent his apologies to fans on Twitter.
He wrote: "I am sorry I will be missing from the Siddiqui sofa again in tonight’s #Gogglebox because of 2 meter social distancing rule but I am sure you will be entertained just as much by the rest of the gang enjoy the show take care be safe lots of love (sic)"
Some other stars of the show have moved in together during the unprecedented period to continue filming under the new rules.
Writing on Twitter, Lee revealed that he had moved into Jenny’s caravan full-time for lockdown.
On their joint account, they wrote: "Well what can we say it’s Friday and it’s still on #Gogglebox Jenny and me watching together as we are bother on lockdown TOGETHER friends with no benefits I may add an hour of laughs stay safe stay well #StayHomeSaveLives (sic)"
Gogglebox hit by viewer complaints due to coronavirus concerns
