Alex Jones and Patrick Kielty had to sit further apart on last night’s (19.03.20) ‘The One Show’ after several viewers complained.
A number of viewers took to social media to question why the pair were sitting so close together amid the coronavirus pandemic, and presenters addressed the issue live on air.
Alex and Patrick moved further away from each other, and she said: "We are having a lot of emails about social distancing and the fact that we’re quite close together.
"We hear you, and we’ve moved farther apart."
The 43-year-old star admitted it was "hard to break habits".
She added: "It’s just hard to break habits, isn’t it? That’s what it is.
"We’re so used to sitting, but yeah, you are absolutely right."
Coronavirus – symptoms of which include breathing issues – has killed more than 10,000 people worldwide.
Government guidance on social distancing amid the pandemic has advised people to work from home where possible, avoid non-essential use of public transport, and to avoid large gatherings as well as gatherings with friends and family.
What’s more, it recommends people can go for a walk outdoors if they stay "more than two metres from others".
Alex and Patrick’s move comes after Piers Morgan and Ranvir Singh were forced to sit further apart on ‘Good Morning Britain’ earlier this week as a precautionary measure following the coronavirus outbreak.
Piers said: "Ranvir, no offence, we’re being separated here on health grounds.
"Ranvir said, ‘I’ll only co-host with him if you put up a metre-long barrier.’ "
He also revealed the show was down to a skeleton crew of around eight people.
Alex Jones and Patrick Kielty sit further apart on The One Show after viewer messages
