Blog

Ant and Dec returned this weekend with their ITV series Saturday Night Takeaway, but things took a surprising turn when, just minutes into the broadcast, fans began to complain. As viewers expected, the duo pulled a series of pranks on audience members, and even This Morning host Alison Hammond. But fans have threatened to complain to broadcast regulator Ofcom after a particular comment made on the show.

It was clear the comedy duo were delighted to be back on the screens as they energetically introduced the show and welcomed guest host David Tennant, The Express reports.

However, some viewers claimed they were going to complain to Ofcom after a comment Dec made about a member of the studio audience. When David introduced the comedy duo, Dec yelled, “We’re still the only show on TV that says, don’t just watch the ads, earn them.” “What an audience we have tonight, it’s so good to be back,” Ant continued.

What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Give us your opinion here

“Let’s say hello to our first guest star on the series, he starred in Doctor Who and Harry Potter, it’s David Tennant.”

Dec continued, “Now David, I need to talk to you about this, it’s been getting a lot of press coverage. And I just wanted to let you know how excited we are to have you return to one of the most prestigious roles of your entire life.” race this year.”

“Well, I don’t want to say who I’m playing,” the actor replied. Needless to say, I go back in time and come back as…”

“Our guest announcer,” the presenters said in sync.

Continuing what was in store, Dec said, “Even though we’ve been off the air, we’ve still kept a very close eye on all of you here and all of you out there.”

Turning to an audience member, she continued, “Yes, you should look nervous ma’am and close your legs.” However, Dec’s comment sparked backlash among viewers, with many taking to social media to complain.

“Close your legs? What a profoundly inappropriate comment to make guys come on #SaturdayNightTakeaway,” Twitter user @Erdogan44 raged. James Whittaker replied: “Ofcom complaints on Monday morning.”

Another segment that caused controversy was when the couple pranked an expectant father with a fake baby scan.

Referencing the baby prank, user @BrumTheftUK raged: “#SaturdayNightTakeaway disagrees with the baby prank he pulled on daddy. He never got to experience a real scan. That’s tough! Blast Out Of Order @ITV #Ofcom reporting.” (sic)

@ChantalMascoe wrote: “#Saturdaynighttakeaway Ofcom will be busy tonight after the fake baby scan prank.”

Other viewers were excited for Ant and Dec’s return, with Emma Dickenson writing: “That was great!!! Absolutely love Alison Hammond! So well played Ant and Dec!! Brilliant! #SaturdayNightTakeaway.”

READ NEXT: