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Wales Online
Entertainment
Alice Suffield

The most complained about TV programmes of 2021

Every year, loads of people make formal complaints about things on the TV that they've taken offense to.

2021 has been no different watchdog Ofcom receiving a record 150,000 complaints from the British public.

Although the true level of supposed outrage is likely to be higher as the complaints made about the BBC do not appear in the list - as these are handled by the corporation in the first instance.

Adam Baxter, Ofcom's director of standards and audience protection, said: "Interestingly, it's a relatively small number of TV shows driving the lion's share; the top five most-complained about programmes account for 80% of all complaints.

"Social media - a digital home for modern-day water-cooler conversations - also has its influence on complaints figures.

"But for me, these volumes demonstrate the British public's interest and passion for TV and radio programmes, and shows just how important they are to the cultural fabric of our nation."

10 most complained about TV programmes of 2021

1. Good Morning Britain, ITV, March 8

54,595 complaints

Piers Morgan blames Meghan Markle for his Good Morning Britain exit (ITV)

Former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan made controversial comments about Meghan Markle during her interview with Oprah Winfrey - saying he did not believe her claims about feeling suicidal as a member of the Royal Family.

Piers later quit the show after Meghan complained to ITV about how his comments may affect the issue of mental health generally.

2. Love Island, ITV2, August 6

24,921 complaints

Love Island's Faye brutally dumped Teddy to 'continue journey alone' after explosive row (ITV)

Almost 25,000 people complained to the watchdog about Faye Winter's behaviour towards fellow contestant Teddy Soares. A row broke out between the two when contestants were shown footage of each other in the Mad Movies challenge.

The pair had an explosive argument after the islanders were played a clip of Teddy telling Clarisse Juliette, who had since been eliminated, that he was attracted to her.

In the video, he told Clarisse he is “technically single” during a flirty exchange and the pair were also shown kissing during a challenge.

3. Celebrities: What's happened to your face? Channel 5

7,125 complaints

Charlotte Crosby called Channel 5's Celebrities: What's happened to your face? documentary series 'appalling' (MTV)

The complaints were about comments made about a number of celebrities featured on the two-part series, promoted with the tagline: "The facial flaws of the famous."

Some of the famous faces mentioned included Simon Cowell, reality star Charlotte Crosby and Lizzie Cundy.

Channel 5 decided to halt the show after former Geordie Shore star Charlotte publicly said she was "appalled" and had requested not to be featured in it.

4. Oprah With Meghan and Harry, ITV, March 8

6,486 complaints

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked complaints over their Oprah interview. (AP)

In a dramatic two-hour interview, the Duke and Duchess of Sussexopened up on their time at the heart of the Royal family - with Meghan saying she had suicidal thoughts and claiming there were discussions over the colour of Archie's skin.

Prince Harry shared his sadness for his father Prince Charles and brother Prince William, saying they were "trapped" within the Firm.

The Royal Family also issued a statement days after the show was aired, with the now infamous line "recollections may vary".

Read more about 10 things we learned from the Oprah special here.

5. Love Island, ITV2, July 28

4,337 complaints

The Love Island Villa Pic: ITV/REX/Shutterstock (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Viewers were left unhappy with the delivery of a postcard from Casa Amor to the main house by producers which showed the girls what their love interests were up to without them, leading some to say the snapshots were misleading.

6. Lorraine, ITV, December 6

3,769 complaints

Dr Hilary Jones prompted anger over his comments about the number of unvaccinated people in hospital, where he claimed 90% of people currently in hospital have yet to have their vaccine.

Complaints are still under assessment.

7. Good Morning Britain, ITV, March 9

3,249 complaints

Piers Morgan came under fire once again for asking co-host Charlotte Hawkins to stand so viewers could see her skirt.

He then went on to clash with another presenter Alex Beresford over Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview, leading to Piers storming off set live on-air.

Find out about things going on where you live:

8. Good Morning Britain, ITV, November 1

2,632 complaints

The morning news show received thousands of complaints yet again over Dr Hilary Jones's criticism over a fake Covid leaflet, before host Richard Madeley then tore it up.

9. Good Morning Britain, ITV, June 1

2,104 complaints

A Good Morning Britain segment titled: "Ditching unvaccinated friends?" also sparked a furious response from many viewers earlier this summer.

10. This Morning, ITV, February 26

1,942 complaints

ITV's other famous daytime show This Morning ended up receiving over a thousand complaints about a segment called "How to lose the lockdown pounds."

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