Lorraine Kelly has come under fire for making a remark about Nigel Farage’s features.
The former UKIP leader is one of the recognisable faces on the newest season of I’m A Celebrity…I Need to Get Out of Here!
His inclusion in the cast has sparked widespread criticism, with some even calling for a boycott of the show.
However, a remark by Lorraine, 63, has prompted many others to support him.
During the broadcast on Tuesday, the host was discussing the current episode of the reality TV show when she remarked how This Morning actress Josie Gibson got more than she bargained for when she came across Farage in the shower and saw his naked buttocks.
Chatting to former politician and campmate Edwina Currie about why Farage had signed up for the programme, she stated that he likely felt he could ‘enhance his reputation’.
‘What’s he in for? I think he is in there because he thinks he can enhance his reputation and be seen as a responsible and intelligent and worthy person of some kind or other and pherhaps…he’s only what…59?’ Currie said.
‘He’s got plenty of years ahead of him.’
Lorraine, on the other hand, stepped in and said, ‘Oh, is he?’
‘Is he only 59? I thought he was a hell of a lot older than that. That’s astonishing,’ she said.
‘That shows you that you get the face you deserve.’
‘You really do,’ she added, as showbiz reporter Lucie Cave burst out laughing in shock.
Many viewers lambasted Lorraine’s statement as she resumed the topic.
‘I’m not fan of Nigel but Lorraine that comment was below the belt. You never would say that about a woman,’ one person posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Others called it ‘childish behaviour’, ‘double standards’ and accused her of ‘body shaming’.
Meanwhile another viewer urged her to ‘be kind’.
Some users found Lorraine’s response amusing, with one calling it a ‘little treasure’ and another saying the’savage’ comment was hilarious.
Farage is apparently negotiating a £1.5 million payment for his appearance, following in the footsteps of British health secretary Matt Hancock.
Prior to arriving in camp, the former lawmaker stated that he believed’millions of people’ despised him and that he expected a ‘frosty’ reception from some of his campmates.
Reflecting on why he thought viewers would vote for him, he said: ‘Given millions hate me, I do expect people will vote for me to do trials!’
Amongst his controversial comments, Farage has said in the past who could migrate to the UK are: ‘People who do not have HIV, to be frank. That’s a good start. And people with a skill.’
He went on to explain that he thought he’d been ‘a little bit demonised’ over the years, but that he hoped his presence on the reality show would warm him up a little.
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.