Earlier this year, filming of the latest series of The Chase was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic and old episodes had to be aired in the usual slot.
However, as restrictions started to ease over the summer, production of The Chase resumed.
On Saturday, the first episode of the celebrity series aired.
Comedian Dane Baptiste, rugby referee Nigel Owens, presenter Anita Rani and sports broadcaster Mark Pougatch were all on the show hoping to win big for charity.
But rather than being sat close to each other on stools, the stars were placed one metre apart on a long desk.
However, viewers noticed the players all having a group hug and shaking hands with one another , reports the Mirror.
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This led to 23 complaints to broadcasting regulator Ofcom over the "alleged lack of social distancing".
But ITV has said that "Close Cohort Contact" rules applied when filming the show, meaning contestants are permitted to touch each other.
And contestants were tested for Covid-19 between 48 and 72 hours before filming, and had to assure the producers they did not have symptoms, and nor did anyone in their household.
An ITV spokesperson said: “Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols.
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"As such, host Bradley Walsh and the celebrity contestants were able to physically interact for short intervals.
"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance.”
