‘Gogglebox’ has been hit with 163 Ofcom complaints after viewers accused the show of breaking lockdown rules.
The latest episode of the popular Channel 4 series saw sisters Ellie and Izzi Warner watching TV in the same room – even though they do not live together.
The pair were sitting two metres apart under social distancing rules, but the move angered fans on social media, who said they shouldn’t be in each other’s homes amid the lockdown.
Ellie’s boyfriend Nat had taken Izzy’s place in recent episodes, but was not seen in last Friday’s (17.04.20) edition.
One viewer tweeted: "Ellie’s boyfriend was stepping in for Izzi. So how come she’s now back and mixing households? God what I would give to see my family!! (sic)"
A spokesperson for ‘Gogglebox’ told The Sun Online: "Most of the families live together but where they don’t, they are complying with PHE (Public Health England) social distancing guidelines.
"’Gogglebox’ will only film with families where it’s safe to do so. The health and safety our cast and crew is paramount."
A number of changes have been made to the show during the ongoing health crisis. Sid Siddiqui, who is in his 70s, has been absent from recent episodes while Lee Riley has moved in with friend Jenny Newby so the pair can continue being filmed for the series.
Writing on Twitter, Lee revealed that he had moved into Jenny’s caravan in Hull full-time for the lockdown period.
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 both on lockdown TOGETHER friends with no benefits I may add an hour of laughs stay safe stay well #StayHomeSaveLives (sic)".
Gogglebox hit by 163 Ofcom complaints
