Viewers and fans of This Morning have rallied around Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond after the popular morning show presenters came under fire for voicing their thoughts on theatre-goers singing along during performances. It comes after ticket holders at the Palace Theatre in Manchester have been asked to refrain from singing along during performances of The Bodyguard as a result of bad behaviour from audience members who became a little too rowdy.
Just days later, on Friday, April 7, the show was forced to stop early due to a major disruption at the musical in the city last week - read more on that here.
Dermot and Alison have respectively taken to their social media accounts to publicly apologise and address the comments they made in light of this incident - Alison Hammond was heard saying (after learning that ticket holders are asked to 'refrain from singing): “I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now", read more on that here - and while at the time several viewers criticized the hosts as well as their guest Vanessa Feltz for these views, many have come to their defence stating that their comments have been "blown out of proportion".
Following Alison's apology, Dermot wrote on Twitter and Instagram on Easter Sunday: "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 arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.
"Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards. Peace and love to all."
Fans and celebrity pals soon rushed to support the television and radio host, defending him and his co-star.
English comedian Jack Rooke wrote: "Yours & Alison’s comments have been completely blown out of proportion like you’re being solely blamed for grown adults bad behaviour. Both of you actually spend ages on This Morning being the most progressive & compassionate presenters on that channel & supporting theatre & new music & young artists & im going to stop fan girling now."
Another user wrote: "People don’t take things in context anymore - they take it to fit their narrative" while a third said: "Well said @dermotoleary! Yourself and @alisonhammond55 have nothing to apologize for! People need to stop moaning! Happy Easter."
Alison Hammond also voiced sorrow for the words she said on Wednesday, April 5, and wrote on her Instagram story: "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 l have the utmost 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, 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.
“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. Once again I am truly sorry but trust me I will do better in the future.”
Yet although some viewers have stood up for the Alison and Dermot, a certain Strictly Come Dancing alum and professional performer, Arlene Phillips, seemed less than impressed, stating Alison and Dermot had 'no idea'.
Taking to Twitter, the 79-year-old wrote: "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." This comment sparked a debate amongst theatre lovers and fans of the duo.
One Twitter user responded to Arlene with a comment that read: "Oh @AlisonHammond has nothing to apologise for. Making light of people singing along at a show is not even close to being serious enough to have to apologise publicly for, no matter how annoying it is for people actually at the show. It’s them that should apologise. Alison is fab".
In contrast, anther wrote: "Going to a professional musical is not a karaoke! Audience is there to listen & appreciate not sing a long& spoil everyone else's enjoyment of the show! Alison was right to apologise to all those performers who have trained for years to be professional!"
This Morning airs on ITV weekdays at 10am.
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