James Martin forced to defend his Saturday Morning show after horrified viewers slam lack of social distancing

JAMES Martin has defended his Saturday Morning Show after viewers claimed there was a lack of social distancing on screen. Fans took to Twitter to criticise how close the chef’s guests were to each other, as the Government have warned the public to maintain a distance of two metres from each other. The chef, 47, […]

JAMES Martin has defended his Saturday Morning Show after viewers claimed there was a lack of social distancing on screen.

Fans took to Twitter to criticise how close the chef’s guests were to each other, as the Government have warned the public to maintain a distance of two metres from each other.

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James’ guests Beverley Callard and Nick Nairn were very close together on the show[/caption]

The chef, 47, took to Twitter to explain why today’s show did not follow the government guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“We wanted to put on a show as normal, this was filmed before the new rules came out so hopefully you enjoy today’s show and above all else stay safe and look after yourself.”

He added: “Hopefully this will inspire you to get cooking in the kitchen, bye for now.”

On his show Saturday Morning with James Martin, the star was joined by guests Beverley Callard from Coronation Street and a fellow chef Nick Nairn.

He shook hands Nick when he walked on to the set and Beverley, 63, sat right next to James, all things now forbidden under the new government rules.

Worried viewers voiced their concerns on Twitter, as one fan said: “Sad to see you guys not listening to the social distancing advice” wrote one.

“Why are you and your guests not Social Distancing or is your prog pre recorded ?” added another.

Another fan posted: “#jamesmartin watching his programme, no social distancing sharing food. Can’t be live surely.”

While a fourth viewer added: “Does social distancing apply to tv shows? James Martin Saturday morning they’re sitting on each other’s lap.”

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James and Nick even shook hands on the program[/caption]

Other TV presenters such as This Morning’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, have been doing their best to respect social distancing as they sat away from other during the show.

Phil opened the show on Monday and told viewers: “Still here. But you might notice something a bit different as we are sitting far apart as per government guidelines.”

Holly, 39, added: “Yes we are but do you know what, I am really looking forward to that moment just to be able to give you a big hug because it’s the one thing I think we really need right now.

“But we are here and trying to keep you company and lift spirits for people at home.”