Ben Shephard has declared his hopes for a big change in the rules for the next series of Tipping Point.
Earlier this year, the popular TV host took a break from his Good Morning Britain presenting duties to shoot new episodes of the afternoon game show.
But, with social distancing rules still very in place across the UK, there was one major difference from past series - he wasn't allowed to give hugs to contestants to either congratulate or console them.
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Ben took to Twitter earlier this year to say he 'wasn't coping' with the lack of contact with players. After a fan told him: "You seem so sweet!!!! I call you huggy boy. Looking forward to new series," the 46-year-old replied: "Sadly still no hugs."
Reacting to Ben's teaser of double jackpots, another follower replied: "You’ll have sore shoulders after all them jackpot hugs!" but Ben answered: "No hugs for a while sadly."
And, with another series of Tipping Point firmly in the pipeline, Ben has addressed the hugging situation once again as he marked the occasion of the show's ninth birthday.
Taking to Twitter to share a video of him hugging contestants during old episodes, he wrote: "Can’t believe our show has turned 9 today!
"Thanks for all the amazing contestants and all the support.
"We’ve just wrapped S12 and it was as much fun this year as it was back in 2012- keeping my fingers crossed that #BenHugs will make a triumphant return for the 10th anniversary!!"
A former Tipping Point contestant was quick to react, replying: "Still remember my Ben hug. Fabulous. I won't reapply to be on again till they're back on the menu!"
A second responded: "I won’t lie I only wanted to be on the show for a Ben hug … and what happens … covid," and another of his followers told Ben: "This "not hugging" must have been extremely difficult for you! You are a great "hugger".
