A number of This Morning fans hit out after a video that "glamorised child cruelty" was aired live on Tuesday's show.
Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle were back at the helm of the daytime programme, as they're currently be filling in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield this week. Regular hosts Holly and Phil are currently taking an extended Christmas break.
The new partnership comes after Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond, who usually front the show on Fridays, hosted This Morning for the duration of last week.
READ MORE: This Morning fans 'bored' as they 'feel sorry' for Dermot O'Leary
One segment saw Josie and Craig joined by guests as they discussed the topics of the day, and part of it saw them watch a video featuring a prank played on some unsuspecting children.
The clip showed someone dressed as the Grinch entering a living room, and "stealing" the kids' Christmas presents and putting them in a big plastic bag. A young girl screams as an older boy tries to push the Grinch out of the room.
Josie said: "I tell you what, he's gonna be a protector when he's older". Craig said: "The screaming gives me gastroesophageal reflux", before adding: "I'm a bit scared by it all".
Fans at home were clearly unimpressed with the clip. Taking to Twitter, Karen said: "Kids screaming while someone dressed as the Grinch steals their Christmas presents? Just no", while Claire said: "In what way could traumatising your child be hilarious?"
Natalie said: "Terrified kids screaming, emotional harm issues". Lizzy said: "That's child cruelty, not funny at all".
However, Lynz said: "Love that! Might do this to my kids!", and David said: "I cackled laughing". Rob said: "We don't need the Grinch to ruin Christmas, inflation is already doing it".
ITV was approached for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV and the ITV Hub
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