Good Morning Britain viewers were taken aback during Thursday’s programme by remarks regarding darts player Luke Littler. When a video was played, host Adil Ray commented on his appearance.
Adil stated: “I have to say and this might not be very popular, I’m a little bit worried about Luke. He’s 17 and he’s turning into the look of a darts player.”
With Sean Fletcher audibly chuckling in the background, Adil pointed out his dietary habits. He went on to say: “He is though. If I were his mum and dad, I mean, he’s sort of – 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.”
Kate Garraway, his co-presenter, questioned: “Are you? He’s so successful.”
“I know but he’s going to get more successful and I just worry,” Adil countered as Kate probed whether he was “fretting”.
“We don’t want him getting too unhealthy,” Adil elaborated while Kate humorously suggested he could “pop over with a carrot”. “See how that goes down,” she quipped. Adil chuckled: “Just before the final, I’ve brought a nice little salad for you from Pret.”
“Many 17 year olds enjoy pizza,” Kate remarked. “But I see your point, it’s concern, which is commendable.”
Adil rounded off by saying: “He’s brilliant though, I absolutely love him, he’s great.”
Viewers didn’t waste any time expressing their outrage on Twitter, with many taking issue with Adil’s remarks, reports the Mirror. One disgruntled viewer vented: “Adil trying to fat shame Luke Littler is not the best thing this morning.”
Another was equally upset, tweeting: “@gmb Really, Fat shaming live on morning TV @Ofcom should investigate this shocking behaviour.” Another comment read: “Wow @adilray body-shaming like littler on live TV, call to @Ofcom needed @GMB He’s not even that overweight.”
One fan chimed in with: “@GMB please ditch that Adil Ray! I hope he makes a public apology to Luke Littler after making derogatory comments about him.” Another tweet read: “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.”