Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Abbie Bray & Jack Thurlow

Ant and Dec Saturday Night Takeaway backlash as fans 'complain to Ofcom' over 'inappropriate' remark

Ant and Dec made a return this weekend with their ITV series Saturday Night Takeaway, but things took a surprising turn when, just minutes into the broadcast, fans began to complain. As viewers have come to expect, the duo made a number of pranks on audience members - and even on This Morning host Alison Hammond. But fans have threatened to complain to the broadcast regulator Ofcom after a particular comment made on the show.

It was clear the comedy duo were thrilled to be back on screens as they energetically introduced the show and welcomed guest announcer, David Tennant, The Express reports.

However, some viewers claimed they were going to complain to Ofcom after a comment Dec made about a studio audience member. As David introduced the comedy duo, Dec shouted: "We're still the only show on telly who says, don't just watch the adverts, win them." "What an audience we have got tonight, it is so good to be back," Ant continued.

What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Have your say here

"Let's say hello to our first star guest announcer of the series, he starred in the likes of Doctor Who and Harry Potter, it's David Tennant."

Dec continued: "Now David, gotta speak to you about this, it has had a lot of coverage in the press. And I just wanted to say how excited we are that you're returning to one of the most prestigious roles of your entire career this year."

"Well, I don't want to say who I am playing," the actor replied. Needless to say, I'm going back in time and I am returning as..."

"Our guest announcer," the presenters said in sync.

Continuing with what was in store, Dec said: "Even though we have been off air, we've still kept a very close eye on all of you here, and all of you out there."

Turning to a member of the audience, he continued: Yes, you should look nervous, madam and close your legs." However, Dec's remark sparked a backlash among viewers, and many took to social media to complain.

"Close your legs? What a deeply inappropriate comment to make guys, come on #SaturdayNightTakeaway," Twitter user @Erdogan44 raged. James Whittaker replied: "Ofcom complaints Monday morning."

Another segment which caused controversy, was when the pair pranked a dad-to-be with a fake baby scan.

Referencing the baby prank, user @BrumTheftUK fumed: "#SaturdayNightTakeaway don’t agree with the baby prank on the dad. He never got to experience a real scan. That’s harsh!!!! Bang out of order .@ITV #Ofcom reporting." (sic)

@ChantalMascoe wrote: "#Saturdaynighttakeaway Ofcom gonna be busy tonight after the fake baby scan prank ."

Other viewers were thrilled by Ant and Dec's return, with Emma Dickenson writing: "That was brilliant!!! I absolutely love Alison Hammond!!! Very well played Ant and Dec!! Brilliant! #SaturdayNightTakeaway."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.