Gogglebox has been hit with a number of Ofcom complaints after the cast appeared to break the self-isolation rules despite the coronavirus outbreak that is sweeping the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is currently in intensive care after testing positive for coronavirus, urged Brits not to leave the house unless it’s to go to the supermarket or to exercise once a day.
The government also advised people not to visit other family members or friends’ households.
Jenny and Lee, siblings Sophie and Pete, and Ellie and Izzi were among the stars that featured on the Friday installment.
Baffled viewers took to social media at the time after friends and family appeared on the sofas together just like they normally would, even if they don’t live in the same homes.
Following the episode, Ofcom has also confirmed they received 20 complaints because of this.
Taking to Twitter, one viewer asked: ‘When was this weeks #gogglebox recorded? Not all these people live together do they?! #socialdistancing’
Another commented: ‘#Gogglebox love the program, but why aren’t they self isolating? They can’t all live together?!’
While one added: ‘Wondering why the #Gogglebox lot ain’t been self isolating the same as us.’
However, Lee took to Twitter to put fans’ minds at rest as he insisted that he and his mate were self-isolating together in her caravan.
‘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.’
Earlier this week, Channel 4 bosses also confirmed that Gogglebox would be airing as normal despite the virus outbreak.
In order to keep cast and crew apart, cameras were put in the families homes to avoid any further contact.
Channel 4’s Director of Programming, told Digital Spy: ‘The coronavirus outbreak is an enormous creative challenge for all broadcasters and though it is having a profound impact on getting some of our productions onto screen.
‘It’s also a time when public service broadcasters like Channel 4 can step up and help people navigate through the extraordinary challenges we all now face.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
Gogglebox returns Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.
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