Linda Robson has apologised for causing offence with her remark about a “poor” looking shop in Stoke-on-Trent sparked a backlash from Loose Women viewers.
On Wednesday’s episode of the ITV lunchtime programme, Linda found herself at the centre of a scandal when she made a comment about a shop in the English city.
Discussing a news story about a woman who was convicted of theft after picking up a £20 note on the floor of the shop and keeping it, Linda said: “It looks like quite a poor shop – it’s not Waitrose or Marks and Spencer.
“It looks like they don’t have a lot of money, the people who shop there.”
She was slammed by many for the generalisation, and released an apology for the situation to the Daily Star Online on Thursday.
“I’m really, really sorry if I’ve upset anybody,” she said. “It could have been any corner shop anywhere. I didn’t even know it was in Stoke-on-Trent, it wasn’t in our notes.
“Maybe I shouldn’t do any more Loose Women if what I say gets me into trouble. Maybe it was a silly remark, but nothing’s scripted on Loose Women and we just say whatever comes it our heads, really.”
Among those reacting to Linda’s comment was former Stoke-on-Trent district councillor Roy Naylor, who told the Stoke Sentinel newspaper that Linda “should be disgusted with herself”.
“It sickens me to hear it, to be honest. I thought these people would be above making stupid comments on television,” he added.
Local Kirsty Bailey, 21, told the publication that she had reported Loose Women to Ofcom over the comment.
“The people of Blurton (in Stoke-on-Trent) are friendly and community-minded – there is nothing wrong with us,” she said.
“It would be nice to see people change their opinions of Stoke-on-Trent and other parts of the city.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Ofcom proceeded with an investigation into the conversation.
However, as is the protocol, Ofcom will assess the complaint and then make a decision on how to deal with it.