Tipping Point: Ben Shephard hugs contestant after huge win
Tipping Point fans joked that it was "time to apply" after a much-loved feature returned to the ITV show as new episodes aired. Host Ben Shephard was back at the helm, welcoming on new players to take on the machine in a bid to win a cash jackpot.
This evening's episode saw Steve, Fiona and Zoe answer questions and drop tokens down a choice of four chutes, hoping to knock piles of them off a moving shelf. As always, the more tokens they collect, the greater the prize fund - with the player who has won the least amount then being eliminated each round.
With the second instalment of the week, viewers at home pointed out that a very prominent feature had returned, making them want to apply - the chance of receiving a loving hug from the quiz show host, Ben.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one user quizzed: "Will there be a hug today? #TippingPoint," as another excitedly wrote: "Hugging allowed again #Tippingpoint." Someone else added: "Covids gone - the hugs are back. Time to apply. #TippingPoint."
A third wrote: "Ah the hugs are back #TippingPoint." While a fourth said: "Nice to see the Ben hugs back again. #TippingPoint ."
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And one more quipped: "Just want someone to love me the way Ben loves giving awkward hugs #TippingPoint."
It seems fans weren't the only ones pleased to see the hugging return. Ben previously spoke out about his diappointment in not being able to be affectionate with the ITV show's contestants to congratulate or console them, when hugging was banned due to covid restrictions.
In the past, someone Tweeted the ITV presenter, asking: "How will you cope without the hugs," to which Ben responded: "’I'm not," with an upset emoji.
Ben also addressed the hugging situation once again as he marked the occasion of the show's ninth birthday. Taking to Twitter to share a video of him hugging contestants during old episodes back in 2021, he wrote: "Can’t believe our show has turned 9 today!
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"We’ve just wrapped S12 and it was as much fun this year as it was back in 2012- keeping my fingers crossed that #BenHugs will make a triumphant return for the 10th anniversary!!"
It comes as fans were thrilled when a contestant landed the jackpot counter, winning £10k, and burst into tears on yesterday's episode.
As well as saying he can finally afford to go and visit his mum who lives abroad and hasn’t seen in ten years, the triumphant contestant also bagged himself a Ben Hug
Tipping Point airs weekdays from 4pm on ITV and ITVX
