This Morning has been hit by 66 Ofcom complaints after Alison Hammond made some controversial comments during a row over rules and regulations in the theatre.
The 48 year old presenter discussed the latest headlines with her co-host Dermot O'Leary, but became furious as she claimed she'd be "devastated" if she paid to attend a musical and was forced to leave part-way through or the performance was cut short.
It comes as the police were called during a performance of new stage musical The Bodyguard, which is based on the Whitney Houston hit film of the same name, in Manchester.
The authorities arrived at the theatre to break up a bust-up in the audience caused by certain attendees loudly singing along to the music.
Other audience members became increasingly more and more angry as they felt that their own experience and personal enjoyment of the musical was being spoiled.
As a result, the immense disruption prompted the police to forcibly remove a number of theatre-goers from the audience and the show was ended early.
Taken-aback, Alison fumed: "I can't believe it. I'd be devastated. I'm not even going to go to that show now."
A slew of comments followed criticising her blunt views on the topic, as one fan wrote “speechless that you are even asking this” while another joked that it wasn’t an “open audition” and that people pay to hear the performers, “not the woman sitting next to them".
The mum-of-one wrote an apology on her Instagram Stories later that evening, explaining to her 1.3million followers: "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.
"I am a great supporter of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance," the presenter continued.
"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."
Recalling an experience during which she attended The Great British Bake Off: The Musical as an example, Alison went on: "On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family.
"I want to use my 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," the This Morning star added.
Co-host Dermot has also given his two cents following the uproar, as he said in his own statement: "A lot of people commenting about a reaction to a story we covered on This Morning about the 'Bodyguard' show and audiences singing along.
"Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview… as I was actually urging AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.
"Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards,. Peace and love to all. Now, back to those Easter eggs… Dx" he finished.
While former Strictly Come Dancing judge and choreographer Arlene Phillips was one of the celebrities grateful for Alison's apology, she chastised the presenter for commenting on a subject she knows so little about.
"Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say, you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in," she said.
READ MORE:
- For all your daily celebrity news and gossip, sign up to OK!’s newsletter – CLICK HERE
- Love Island’s Jessie Wynter reveals: ‘Will talks about us having kids!’
- McFly's Tom Fletcher in hospital dash as he faces six weeks recovery time
- Helen Flanagan finally addresses Scott Sinclair reunion and reveals why she wears ring
- Beckhams and Nicola Peltz's family reunite at sprawling mansion during 'peace summit'
Source: Read Full Article
