Iain Lee has clashed with Jim Davidson after the TV pundit refused to read out a Twitter tribute to Bullseye host Jim Bowen on Good Morning Britain.
The former I’m A Celebrity contestant, covering for absent regular presenter Richard Arnold, was running through a number of tweets from showbiz pals remembering the late 80-year-old before refusing to acknowledge one from controversial comic Jim.
“Jim Davidson said something but I’m not really interested in him,” said Iain after highlighting a tweet from Paddy McGuinness.
Confused host Susanna Reid asked: “Why not? He’s one of those comedy legends?”
Read more: Jim Davidson shocks viewers with boasts about women on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories
But Iain, who later revealed in a series of tweets someone he knew had worked with Davidson two decades ago in a “miserable” experience, demurred: “Let’s not. Let’s have this debate elsewhere.”
Just over an hour later, Jim asked his 150,000 followers on Twitter: “Who is this [bleep]?”
Apparently answering his own question, he tweeted: “So, a bloke calle[d] Iain Lee has refused to read out my tribute to Jim Bowen on GMB. What[‘]s his problem?”
But Iain hit back:
Are you that awful bloke who does the Chalkie voice and was a nightmare to work with in the 90’s? Take care Jim. X https://t.co/uNcxWr4UD8
— Iain Lee – talkRADIO (@iainlee) March 15, 2018
— Iain Lee – talkRADIO (@iainlee) March 15, 2018
The radio host then revealed he had been blocked by the 64-year-old ex Generation Game presenter – although minutes later Jim continued to ask about who it was Iain knew who had worked with him.
Going on to reference the ‘Strawberrygate’ event from last year’s series of I’m A Celebrity, Jim then insisted he was pleased Iain was not a fan.
Are you that awful bloke who ate the strawberries? Teriffic. Glad you dont like me Good luck.
— Jim Davidson (@JimDOfficial) March 15, 2018
The reaction on social media was mixed – with many blasting Iain for being “disrespectful”, “petty” and taking a ‘cheap swipe’ at Davidson.
@JimDOfficial @GMB how unprofessional and disrespectful is #iainlee ur paid to read the messages from people not to pick and choose. #pettyman r.i.p #JimBowen
— Erica Donnelly (@Xblondie81x) March 15, 2018
Can’t believe Iain Lee decided it was fine to skip quickly past a tribute from Jim Davidson to Jim Bowen for reasons of his own @GMB So wrong 😡
— Val Perry (@cassellie) March 15, 2018
@GMB I was actually disgusted that #IainLee refused to read out @JimDOfficial tribute to #JimBowen on this morning,whatever that guy thinks of JD a tribute to the great Jim Bowen should NOT be used as a cheap attention seeking swipe! Iain Lee you are disgrace and GMB shame on you
— Annie on the Fairway (@pgatops) March 15, 2018
However, not everybody was outraged at Iain’s decision to speak his mind, with users mocking Jim for hitting the block button.
Well that must cut like a knife. Blocked by Jim Davidson on Twitter. Stay strong Iain.
— Steve Turner (@SteveLTurner) March 15, 2018
@iainlee Aww so Jim Davidson has blocked you. I bet you are crying into your coffee…NOT!! Oh dear what a pity never mind 😂😂😂
— Cat™ (@muscat1) March 15, 2018
Susanna joked at the end of the segment: “Your reports always come with an edge.”
Iain replied: “And this is why my TV career ended many, many years ago. I’m squeezing that last little bit out here.”
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Good Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays from 6am.
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