Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray has sparked outrage after making remarks that viewers blasted as "fat-shaming" towards young darts prodigy Luke Littler. During a segment on the show, 17-year-old Luke's dietary habits and appearance came under fire from Ray who suggested he was "turning into the look of a darts player."
The comments caused anger from fans at home - resulting in a staggering 311 complaints to Ofcom.
While discussing the sports headlines, the programme delved into Luke's impressive 5-2 victory against Nathan Aspinall, which secured his semi-final berth in the World Darts Championship. It was then that Adil issued a controversial warning, indicating that what he was about to say "might not be very popular."
He proceeded to air his concerns: "I'm a little bit worried about Littler. He's 17 and he's turning into the look of a darts player. 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," reports the Mirror.
Co-host Kate Garraway attempted to reassure Adil by highlighting Luke's current success, but Adil reiterated his point adding: "He's going to get more successful and he can keep on doing it... but I don't want him to get too unhealthy."
Attempting to inject humour into the conversation, Kate quipped that perhaps Adil should offer Luke a healthier alternative such as a carrot. Adil played along with the joke, saying: "Just before the final. Here you go, I've got a salad for you from Pret."
Despite the laughter in the studio, viewers were reportedly far from amused, expressing their dissatisfaction and disgust at the banter.
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One viewer expressed their outrage, stating: "Adil Ray just casually fat shaming a 17-year-old kid on Good Morning Britain, should be ashamed."
Another echoed this sentiment, saying: "GMB 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."
A third viewer labelled Adil's comment as hypocritical, writing: "I can't believe the body shaming by Adil Ray on this morning's GMB about Luke Littler. This programme will have carried disapproving items on body shaming in the past. Leave the young lad alone. Would he have said that about a woman? I think an apology is in order."
However, some defended Adil's remarks, with one fan arguing: "He wasn't fat shame him but suggests a healthy option . Luke should and could set an example to others in his position. Why should he be a stereotype fast food beer drinking darts player?"
The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of personal comments made on live television, particularly when they concern young athletes. Many viewers are calling for greater sensitivity and awareness in the media's portrayal of public figures.
Luke, who reached the 2024 World Championship final at the tender age of 16, is rapidly becoming one of the biggest names in darts.
The previous year's finale captivated a staggering 3.7 million viewers at its peak, witnessing Luke Littler, dubbed "The Nuke," pocketing an impressive £200,000 for his runner-up spot. In an astonishing debut year as a pro, he amassed £1 million in winnings alone.
The skyrocketing fame of Luke saw him eclipse even the likes of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles, becoming the most Googled name in 2024.
Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
