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The Chase Celebrity Special receives Ofcom complaints over lack of social distancing

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

From Digital Spy

The Chase has received a number of Ofcom complaints over the lack of social distancing on the recent celebrity special.

Aired on Saturday (October 17), the special was filmed over three days last month, while Close Contact Cohort protocols were introduced to allow the contests to physically interact with each other.

However, viewers were shocked to see the celebrity contestants – Anita Rani, Mark Pougatch and Dane Baptiste – along with host Bradley Walsh, hugging and shaking hands throughout the episode.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Related: The Chase star Paul Sinha says he does "worry" about how Parkinson's will affect his brain

"I actually thought this was an old episode considering all the handshakes and hugs, until Covid was mentioned in one of the charities," tweeted one viewer.

Another wrote: "What the hell.... why are they hugging and shaking hands when I can't see my parents and hug them???? I'm so annoyed to see this."

Ofcom has since confirmed that 23 complaints were made about the lack of social distancing on the celebrity special.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

ITV said in a statement: "Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols.

"As such, host Bradley Walsh and the celebrity contestants were able to physically interact for short intervals.

"The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance."

Anita, Mark and Dane went on to win an impressive £120,000 for their respective charities.

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV.


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