'This Morning' slammed for using fake 'breaking news' alert
Viewers of This Morning yesterday didn’t see the funny side of a pretend ‘breaking news’ alert during a segment on baby gender.
The misjudged incident came when host Holly Willoughby was interviewing expectant parents with Dr Ranj Singh.
She then unexpectedly threw over to the ITV News studio, and news anchor Nina Hossain, in what appeared to be a breaking news flash, delivered with a look of concern on Willoughby’s face.
However, it turned out that, despite the grave faces of those on screen, it was a skit to reveal the gender of the parents’ baby.
“We’re interrupting your normal scheduled programming as we have some breaking news regarding expectant couple Chelsea Austin and Jack Fythian,” said Nina, before revealing they’d be expecting twin boys.
However, many thought that they were about to be informed of a serious incident, and branded the show ‘irresponsible’ for using the news flash flippantly.
I’m not sure that was appropriate given the state of the world at the moment #notbreakingnews #ThisMorning
— Anneka Patel (@annekap87) March 7, 2019
Not impressed with the breaking news gender reveal idea on #ThisMorning – usually associated with a terror attack or something awful to interrupt a show so don’t think it was the best idea
— stac ♡ (@SLG__x) March 7, 2019
I hate it when they stop for an ‘important news feature’ Expected some terrible news. Not just a joke 😳 #ThisMorning
— Marie (@Musicmarie) March 7, 2019
Who do I complain to about that irresponsible ‘Breaking News Flash’? #ThisMorning In the light of the recent suspect packages and all the stabbing horrors plus our aging royal family, I almost had heart failure.
— Mrs Shaw (@poppytopss) March 7, 2019
How is it ok that #ThisMorning did a realistic “breaking news” just for a gender reveal?? Genuinely thought something bad had happened I was so scared
— 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓪 (@amethystrosaa) March 7, 2019
In light of recent events This Morning thought it was a good idea to interrupt show with "breaking news" my stomach turned thinking stabbing or terrorist attack, no they were revealing sex of guest's baby 😡
Bad form and very irresponsible!!#ThisMorning— Maria 🇬🇧 (@MrsBagwelltoyou) March 7, 2019
.@Ofcom Really distressed watching #ThisMorning today following a ‘Breaking News Flash’ interrupted the programme. In the light of recent suspect packages, stabbing horrors and an aged royal family, I listened in horror but then found it to be a fake broadcast. Not clever.
— Mrs Shaw (@poppytopss) March 7, 2019
ITV is yet to comment on the matter, though it did thank those involved in the segment.
Thanks to all our couples who allowed us to reveal the sex of their babies on today's show! One reveal in particular was in plain sight all along… pic.twitter.com/jBoMEfXoft
— This Morning (@thismorning) March 7, 2019
