Ofcom has cleared chatshow host Paul O’Grady of breaking broadcasting rules after inhaling helium from a balloon, but warned ITV about airing potentially dangerous stunts.
The 60-year-old, whose show airs on ITV from 5pm, has admitted it was a “daft” thing to do and he decided to do it on the “spur of the moment”.
Ofcom launched an investigation into the stunt under rules relating to dangerous behaviour, particularly given that the show airs before the 9pm watershed when children may have been watching.
“We investigated this programme to see if it was appropriate to show potentially dangerous behaviour, imitable by children, where the presenter inhaled helium from a balloon,” said an Ofcom spokesman.
“We concluded ITV didn’t break broadcasting rules because the show has little appeal to children, the presenter’s inhalation was very brief and a warning was given.”
However, Ofcom said that the incident gave it cause to remind ITV about the scheduling of stunts on TV.
“We have, however, given guidance to ITV on appropriate scheduling when showing potentially dangerous behaviour.”
