James Martin defends Saturday Morning show after ‘abuse’ from viewers over lack of social distancing

TV chef explained episode was filmed long before the rules changed

James Martin has been forced to defend his ITV cooking show Saturday Morning after receiving “abuse” from viewers over its apparent lack of social distancing during the coronavirus crisis.

Many took to social media to criticise how close the TV chef and his guests were to each other after the government instructed the public to stay at least two metres apart.

One viewer tweeted: “Does social distancing apply to TV shows? James Martin’s Saturday Morning they’re sitting on each other’s laps.”

In a new video, Martin said he has in fact been adhering to the social distancing guidelines, and explained the episode of Saturday Morning in question was filmed long before the rules changed.

He said: “Hi everyone, obviously I am following the advice that everybody should be following and that is staying at home and staying safe. But we wanted to put on a show as normal and this was filmed before the new rules came out, hopefully you enjoyed today’s show.”

In the caption, Martin added: “Wow what abuse is out there. if those lot got up at 9.30 and heard this first we recorded 7 shows way back before any of these rules came out. And we were due to film this weekend and of course followed all the government advice and stopped and stayed home… stay safe all.”

Actors Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez are also experiencing a backlash after they shared a video of themselves working out at a gym together.

The pair are among a long list of celebrities who have urged the public to stay at home and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of coronavirus.