Gogglebox bosses have responded to viewer complaints about Ellie and Izzi Warner still filming together even though they do not live in the same house.
Channel 4 has put special measures in place to ensure the show can still be filmed, with cameras being rigged up in the cast’s homes.
The Warners film at Ellie’s house and earlier this series, Izzi missed a lockdown episode and was replaced by Ellie’s boyfriend Nat.
Friday’s episode saw her return and viewers questioned why the star was travelling to her sister’s house when lockdown rules remain in place nationwide.
A Gogglebox spokesperson has now explained: “Most of the families live together but where they don’t, they are complying with PHE [Public Health England] social distancing guidelines.
“Gogglebox will only film with families where it’s safe to do so. The health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount.”
Ofcom received 163 complaints about the situation and, as is standard procedure, will now assess the episode and decide whether to investigate.
While production on dramas and soaps has been halted during the coronavirus pandemic, Gogglebox is one of a few shows which is continuing.
Good Morning Britain and This Morning are still airing live on weekdays with presenters observing social distancing rules and crew numbers reduced.
Most broadcasters have also launched new programmes to fill their schedules with Steph McGovern’s Channel 4 show being launched early.
Episodes of the programme are broadcast from McGovern’s house, a tactic also used by Ant and Dec for the final episodes of Saturday Night Takeaway last month.
