With the world in the grip of a deadly pandemic, we’ve all been told we have to keep our distance from other people in order to minimise its spread.
However, the people who appeared on ITV cookery show James Martin’s Saturday Morning today didn’t seem to be paying attention to the advice.
Host James, 47, was seen freely mingling with his guests on the cookery programme, and even shook hands with one of them.
And the scenes left viewers scratching their heads, with many taking to Twitter to vent their feelings.
Hand-shaking and glass-clinking
James’s guests in the studio kitchen included fellow chef Nick Nairn and Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard.
After introducing Nick, James shook hands with the Scot before the pair clinked wine glasses.
Does social distancing apply to TV shows? James Martin’s Saturday Morning they’re sitting on each other’s lap.
Beverley – who plays Liz McDonald in the ITV soap – then entered and also clinked glasses with the two men, before they all sat in close proximity for a chat.
Viewers were perplexed by what they’d seen, and some seemed annoyed that social-distancing measures hadn’t been followed.
Read more: 7 huge coronavirus rumours cleared up by Dr Hilary Jones on Good Morning Britain
One wrote: “So, ITV, what happened to social distancing on James Martin this morning?”
Another said: “Sad to see you guys not listening to the social-distancing advice.”
And a third added: “Does social distancing apply to TV shows? James Martin’s Saturday Morning they’re sitting on each other’s lap.”
James Martin speaks out
Well, James Martin must’ve got wind of the negative feedback, because he later uploaded a video to Twitter, in which he clarified the situation.
Read more: Tearful Kate Garraway checked for coronavirus in hospital after Good Morning Britain filming
Speaking from what looked like his garden, the celebrity chef explained that the episode had been filmed BEFORE the government brought in the new social-distancing measures.
He told his followers: “Obviously, I’m following the advice that everybody should be following, and that is staying at home and staying safe.
A little word from @jamesmartinchef about today’s show which was filmed a few weeks ago! pic.twitter.com/l4GS4mg1d0
— Sat_James Martin (@sat_jamesmartin) March 28, 2020
“But we wanted to put on a show as normal. This was filmed before the new rules came out.
“So hopefully you enjoyed the show, and above all else, stay safe. Look after yourself and hopefully this will inspire you to get cooking in the kitchen.”
Got something to say about this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!