Loose Women producers were blasted by viewers of Friday’s show, when they showed an insensitive clip of cancer suffering – reducing survivor Carol McGiffin to tears.
The panellist – who was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2014 – welled up, saying: “I know exactly how it feels.”
The emotionally charged moment happened on Friday’s episode of the lunchtime show, when panellist Andrea McClean introduced an interview with actress Fay Ripley by playing a clip from Cold Feet.
It shows her character Jenny receiving a cancer diagnosis, and struggling to tell loved ones.
Cutting back to the studio, Carol, 58 – who also lost her sister to cancer – was visibly emotional. Nadia Sawalha reached out to comfort her friend as Fay joined them on the panel.
Crying, Carol told her: “I haven’t seen that yet. And I know exactly how it feels.” She then addressed producers off-camera, saying: “Thanks, you lot!”
Apologising for the tears, she then added: “I never cry on TV,” as Stacey Solomon passed down a box of tissues.
Fay, 52, told her she understood, saying: “We’re tackling something that is in everyone’s lives…Members of my family have cancer, my friends have cancer, the world appears to have cancer.”
Carol admitted: “I knew it was going to be tough to watch, and it is, it is. It’s exactly how it happened. And keeping it a secret as well, I understand that. I didn’t tell anybody, only Mark, that’s it.”
Viewers at home felt for Carol, with one writing: “Sending you a big hug Carol 💞💞💞💞💞💞.”
Another said: “I know exactly how she felt I was diagnosed with the same cancer, it’s horrible. You are a brave lady Carol.”
A third tweeted: “Ohh you don’t normally see Carol show emotion, I felt for her today.❤.”
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Many criticised producers for putting her through it, with one commenting: “@loosewomen I CANNOT believe you’ve just done that to Carol McGiffin. So insensitive.”
A second wrote: “#LooseWomen how unethical putting all that on with Carol McGiffin on there. Poor show.” While a third added: “I really felt for Carol today. Cannot believe she wasn’t warned. Thought Fay was so lovely and genuinely supportive ❤️ love Carol and Fay. Sending a hug to you.”
One more blasted: “Shame on the producers of #Loosewomen for not letting Carol know they would be showing those clips from Cold Feet. What on earth were they thinking? That was awful for her. 🙁.”
It follows an intense week for the reality star, who revealed she secretly got married a year ago.
Carol and her toyboy Mark Cassidy had a wedding in Thailand, and her Loose Women co-stars told her off on Thursday’s show – even labelling her a “liar” – for hiding the truth.
It didn’t stop her showing off the massive diamond ring, though.
Carol also shared a photo, showing her wedding day with Mark, 36, had been low-key. She wore black-and-white trousers with a denim jacket.
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Do you think producers should’ve warned Carol? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.