Alison Hammond: This Morning receives Ofcom complaints after theatre etiquette backlash

ITV’s This Morning has received over 60 Ofcom complaints after a debate about theatre etiquette upset viewers.

Brummie co-host Alison Hammond, 48, made comments about audience members singing during theatre performances which caused uproar on social media.

During the ITV show on Wednesday (5 April), Alison was discussing the news headlines with co-host Dermot O’Leary and presenter Vanessa Feltz.

Following a brawl during a performance of The Bodyguard at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, audience members were banned from singing along to the show’s songs.

Alison, who has just been announced as the co-host of The Great British Bake-Off, shared her thoughts on theatre etiquette telling Dermot and Vanessa: “I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now.”

Vanessa Feltz responded: “Isn’t the whole point of going to a musical that you know that you sing along to all the bits you know and when you don’t know the words you just make them up.

“Isn’t that what everybody does? And very, very loudly while eating an ice cream.”

The discussion received intense backlash on social media including from many performers and theatre staff for not acknowledging how disrespectful the audience had been.

People on social media were quick to point out how the behaviour of audiences has an impact on theatre performers and staff.

After receiving 66 complaints, Ofcom told Metro: “We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, before deciding whether or not to investigate.”

Many theatre performers have also spoken out against the This Morning segment.

Layton Williams, who stars in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, said: “I think they should invite cast members of the Bodyguard onto the show to explain exactly why this is a no no”.

Ben Irish (Frozen the Musical) added: “Sadly @AlisonHammond show stops are more and more common because of fights in the auditorium due to people singing along. There are hundreds of people who share the experience and to some it could be the only trip they can afford, therefore wanting to hear the performer.”

Jennifer Tierney (Come From Away) also shared her thoughts, saying: “This is gutting & so disrespectful @thismorning  to the people who pay money to hear & watch trained actors & the actors who have worked hard for their career. It is NOT karaoke! Laughing about the subject is rude & dismissive. @AlisonHammond @radioleary should know better!”

Alison Hammond was later forced to issue an apology after the segment on Friday caused further disturbance at The Bodyguard in Manchester, where the show was forced to prematurely end.

In her apology on Twitter, Alison said: “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 utmost respect for.”

She also told her followers that she wanted “to use my platform for good” which was then highly praised by fans including comedian Katherine Ryan and fellow This Morning presenter Rylan Clark.

Dermot O’Leary has also released his thoughts on the backlash, defending himself by saying: “Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview… as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.”

Dermot also said that he had “love and respect for those treading the boards”.

Alison has not been seen on her social media since publishing the statement on 9 April, but was spotted enjoying her Easter break with fellow This Morning stars Nik and Eva Speakman.