Vernon Kay has come under fire as he returned to This Morning.
The Bolton TV presenter was back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Wednesday alongside Rochelle Humes.
The pair were filling in for Holly Willoughby, who has been away filming a new BBC show, and Phillip Schofield, who has been forced into isolation following a positive Covid test.
On the show, Vernon and Rochelle spoke to Louise Akester, a former carer who worked in the care sector for 14 years before losing her job after refusing to have the coronavirus jab.
READ MORE: ITV This Morning's Rochelle Humes melts hearts with sweet video of her daughter singing
Back in November, Louise broke down in tears when completing her final shift after having her contract terminated due to government requirements.
From November 11, 2021, all care workers in adult care homes who did not have medical exemptions had to be double vaccinated against Covid-19.
"That was the hardest day of my life. It really took its toll on me emotionally. It was a sad day," Louise told Vernon and Rochelle.
She said she refused the vaccine as she didn't 'trust' it as it was 'so new'.
She added: "I also took an antibody test that came back saying I had the antibodies.
"So my argument was, if I have these antibodies and if I am testing every day, wearing my PPE, following all the infection controls, how am I putting anybody at risk?
"I didn’t see myself as a bigger threat. I was still doing everything in my power to help those vulnerable people."
The This Morning hosts were sympathetic towards Louise as she broke down.
"It's killing me seeing you cry. We genuinely give you a massive hug," Veron said.
The presenter said that in his opinion, Louise’s story ‘spoke to their hearts’, hailing her as a ‘hero’ before encouraging everyone to give her a round of applause.
But not all viewers were impressed by Vernon's comments.
@ChrisDeityUK tweeted: "Vernon Kay should be removed from the show immediately for encouraging this dangerous behaviour #thismorning."
"@thismorning I cannot believe that this mornings show clapped and celebrated a carer who lost their job for refusing the vaccine what about the vulnerable people at risk being cared for by unvaccinated people," @Gill12221381 said.
Others also felt there needed to be more balance, and said they'd be contacting Ofcom over the interview.
@henriksen1 said: "Sorry @thismorning Can we hear both sides of the story please? A bit of balance would be nice, thanks. #ThisMorning."
"She needs to be challenged on what she's saying. This is a pathetic interview. #ThisMorning," @Dayjur11 tweeted.
Some viewers also showed their support for Louise.
"This gorgeous, kind, caring woman on #thismorning who was sacked due to vaccine mandate in care system," @Sarayoga81 said.
The NHS states that vaccines "are safe and effective" and provide "the best protection" against the virus.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted ITV and This Morning for comment.
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