Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter Adil Ray faced criticism after comments about 17-year-old darts champion Luke Littler were perceived as fat-shaming. During a segment discussing Luke's success, Ray expressed concern over his diet and appearance, suggesting he was "turning into the look of a darts player." HIs remarks led to 311 complaints to the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom.
Discussing the sports news on Thursday's show, coverage of Luke's 5-2 defeat over Nathan Aspinall that secured him a place in the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship was aired. Adil then warned viewers he was about to say something that 'might not be very popular.'
He continued: "I'm a little bit worried about Littler. He's 17 and he's turning into the look of a darts player. Look at him! He's admitted he has pizzas before a match and sits there playing computer games. I just think I'm a bit worried."
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ITV)Kate Garraway then said Adil need not be worried about Luke as he's 'so successful.' Doubling down, Adil replied: "He's going to get more successful and he can keep on doing it... but I don't want him to get too unhealthy."
To lighten the mood, Kate suggested Adil visit Luke's dressing room with a carrot to 'see how that goes down. ' Adil joked: "Just before the final. Here you go, I've got a salad for you from Pret." While Kate and Adil giggled in the studio, viewers at home claimed to be 'disgusted' by the exchange.
One fumed: "Adil Ray just casually fat shaming a 17-year-old kid on Good Morning Britain, should be ashamed." Another chimed in: "GMB your hosts fat shaming Luke Littler, a 17-year-old boy, is unacceptable and unnecessary. Clearly a bitter and unhappy new year for Adil and Kate."
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A League of Their Own)A third called Adil's comment hypocritical, writing: "I can't believe the body shaming by Adil Ray on this morning's GMB about Luke Littler. This programme will have carried disapproving items on body shaming in the past. Leave the young lad alone. Would he have said that about a woman? I think an apology is in order."
Another fan defended Adil, replying : "He wasn't fat shame him but suggests a healthy option . Luke should and could set an example to others in his position. Why should he be a stereotype fast food beer drinking darts player?"
The incident has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of personal comments on live television, especially concerning young athletes. Viewers have called for more sensitivity and awareness in media portrayals of public figures. Luke has quickly risen to become one of the biggest names in darts after reaching the 2024 World Championship final at just 16 years old.
Last year’s final attracted a peak TV audience of 3.7 million viewers, where Luke Littler, known as "The Nuke," earned £200,000 for finishing second. In his first year as a professional, he raked in £1 million in prize money. Luke's popularity soared so much that he surpassed Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles as the most-searched names on Google in 2024.
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