Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on This Morning - show receives complaints
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This Morning sparks Ofcom complaints over ‘guest who refuses to work with fat people’

Guest suggested those experiencing weight issues are 'lazy'

This Morning viewers have sent their complaints to Ofcom after a guest said she ‘won’t work with fat people’.

Fitness writer Samantha Yardley infuriated people watching at home with her strong opinions last week.

She said during her appearance on last Wednesday’s (July 22) show that it should be “inconvenient” for people to be obese.

Samantha also said she doesn’t believe clothes should be easily available in larger sizes to encourage weight loss.

This Morning complaints: Hosts Eamonn and Ruth did not seem impressed with Samantha Yardley (Credit: ITV)

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What did the This Morning guest say?

She claimed: “I think if you’re obese you literally knock at least eight years off your life and that’s considered conservative.

“I think we’re all creatures of habit, we all take a path of least resistance, we need to make it more inconvenient to be obese.”

We need to make it more inconvenient to be obese.

Samantha also suggested those experiencing weight issues can be ‘lazy’.

“It’s a lifestyle choice,” she claimed.

Samantha’s opinions also upset This Morning viewers (Credit: ITV)

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Samantha continued by claiming women’s clothing over a size 16 is too big and admitting she’d choose a slimmer person over a heavier person for a job.

She insisted: “Look at the facts.

“People who are obese take off nearly twice as many day off work than those people within a healthy weight range for a start.

“That’s going to have a financial implication. From personal experience, you are more lethargic and more lazy.”

This Morning complaints: Ofcom contacted

Her views came in for heavy criticism from presenters Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford and Alison Hammond, as well as viewers.

Later in the same episode, Alison challenged Samantha to take her on.

Weight Watchers ambassador Alison vowed: “I’ll run rings around you.”

Alison Hammond wasn’t happy on This Morning (Credit: ITV)

“So what’s she saying – because I’m big she doesn’t want to work with me?” Alison continued.

“I’m not being funny, come and train me, babes. Let’s have a laugh, we’ll have fun. I’m not lazy, I’m up for it.

According to The Sun‘s website, TV regulator Ofcom have received 43 complaints about the item.

It isn’t the first time that This Morning viewers have complained to Ofcom recently.

A travel segment in which Brits were reportedly advised to ‘cheat’ quarantine rules recently came under fire.

And a clash between Phillip Schofield and Lady Colin Campbell also drew unhappy reactions after airing last month.

– Good Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays, from 6am.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer