Ofcom to investigate This Morning over Fifty Shades themed 'Bondage for Beginners' segment

The media watchdog received 120 complaints about the slot

This Morning does 'Bondage For Beginners' (Rex Features)

This Morning is to be investigated by Ofcom after airing an X-rated Fifty Shades of Grey segment before the watershed.

"Bondage for Beginners", which aired last month, featured presenters Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley talk through a range of sex toys with “sexpert” Annabelle Knight.

Ofcom said it had received 120 complaints from viewers about the item, broadcast on 3 February, which also saw Schofield demonstrate a nipple clamp.

The media watchdog said it was investigating whether the programme was suitable to be broadcast before the 9pm watershed.

Schofield warned viewers at home before the segment began that it featured sensitive content.

He later admitted to being “distracted” by the semi-naked models who appeared on a bed in the This Morning studio.

An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether an item about ‘bondage for beginners’ was suitable for broadcast before the watershed.”

An ITV spokesperson said at the time: “This Morning is a lifestyle programme that covers a diverse range of human interest topics. The programme has dealt with advice on sexual matters many times in the past, and a suitable announcement was given at the start.”

In 2011, former This Morning presenter Paul Ross had a live rectal examination to encourage people to check for prostate cancer.

Read more: Ofcom receives more than 70 complaints after This Morning's 'Bondage for Beginners' segment