Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray has sparked outrage for “fat shaming” Luke Littler live on the show as furious viewers vowed to call Ofcom and demanded an apology.
On Thursday, presenters Adil Ray, 50, and Kate Garraway, 57, were discussing darts sensation Luke Littler's, 17, victory against Nathan Aspinal in the World Darts Championship.
Littler pocketed £100,00 after thrashing her 33-year-old rival 5-1 at Alexandra Palace and remains in the running for the £500,000 prize money as she progresses to the semi-finals.
It comes after the darts prodigy was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year on December 17.
Despite his fantastic achievements, Adil found it necessary to express his “concern” for the teenager's health.
Turning to Kate, he said: 'I have to say, and this may not be very popular, that I'm a little worried about Luke. He is 17 years old and is taking on the appearance of a darts player.
Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray has sparked outrage for “fat shaming” Luke Littler live on the show, leaving furious viewers vowing to call Ofcom and demand an apology.
Adil said: 'I have to say, and this may not be very popular, I'm a bit worried about Luke. He is 17 years old and is taking on the appearance of a darts player.
Despite his fantastic achievements, Adil found it necessary to express his 'concern' for the teenager's health.
—But it is. If I were his mom and dad, I mean, he's like… look at him.
Like most youngsters, Luke has previously said he loves to eat delicacies such as pizza, kebabs and Swizzels Squashies before a match.
Commenting on this, Adil added: “He has admitted that he eats pizzas before a match and sits there playing computer games.” I just think he'd be a little worried.
With a raised eyebrow, Kate replied: 'Are you? But it's so successful!'
'I know!' Adil replied: “But he will be more successful and will continue to do it.” I just worry.'
When Kate asked if Adil was “worried about him” and if he thought he was “not very healthy,” he said, “Yeah, I don't want him to get too sick.”
Kate tried to make light of the awkward conversation by joking: 'Really? Okay, why don't you come with a carrot? Watch that happen.'
Adil then laughed and said he would give Littler a Pret salad right before the final.
Littler pocketed £100,00 after thrashing her 33-year-old rival 5-1 at Alexandra Palace and remains in the running for the £500,000 prize money as she progresses to the semi-finals.
It comes after the darts prodigy was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year on December 17.
Defending Littler's eating habits, mother-of-two Kate said: “To be fair, a lot of 17-year-olds like pizza, don't they?”
“I know, I know,” Adil said as he stepped back and added, “I'm a little worried.” “It’s brilliant though, I absolutely love it, it’s just brilliant.”
Viewers were angered by Adil's comments and took to social media platform X to demand he apologize and called on TV regulator Ofcom to investigate.
One wrote: '@GMB This vile fat individual embarrassed a 17 year old darts player. @Ofcom this is disgusting.'
'Wow @adilray body shaming Luke Littler on live TV, a call to @Ofcom @GMB is needed. He's not even that overweight. “I bet Adil hasn’t even seen the inside of a gym,” said a second.
A third echoed: '@GMB Really, Fat Shaming live on morning TV @Ofcom should investigate this shocking behaviour.'
Calling for the presenter to be removed from the show, a fourth said: '@GMB please get rid of that Adil Ray! I hope he publicly apologizes to Luke Littler after making disparaging comments about him.
In an exchange between angry viewers, one said: 'I can't believe the body shaming Adil Ray did this morning on the GMB about Luke Littler. This program will have included disapproving articles about body shaming in the past. Leave the young man alone. Would he have said that about a woman? I think it is necessary to apologize.
To which someone else replied: 'And to think @adilray is also a patron of a children's charity!!'
On Thursday, presenters Adil Ray, 50, and Kate Garraway, 57, discussed darts sensation Luke Littler's, 17, victory against Nathan Aspinal in the World Darts Championship.
In 2017, Adil was named patron of the UK's and the world's largest children's hospice charity, Acorns Children's Hospice.
Acorns provides vital care to babies, children and young people and their families with lives limited or threatened across England.
Elsewhere, other viewers said they were “disgusted” by Adil's comments about “embarrassing a young sports star” and that he should be “ashamed” of himself.
One said: '@GMB Disgusted to see Adil Ray get away with insulting Luke Littler by shaming him. Kate Garraway then tried to make it look like she was concerned about the health of darts players. Adil has spent his career making unacceptable fun of people under the guise of comedy!
Others pointed out that mocking Littler's health was a negative way to ring in the new year.
'@GMB your hosts shaming 17 year old Luke Littler is unacceptable and unnecessary. “It's clearly going to be a bitter and unhappy new year for Adil and Kate,” one said.
Another commented: 'Good to see Adil on @GMB being unnecessary about someone's weight. Happy new year to you too…'
This is not the first time a Good Morning Britain presenter has offended viewers with embarrassing comments.
In June 2024, Andi Peters faced backlash online for a comment she made towards Ranvir Singh.
Andi noticed Ranvir shopping online when she caught a glimpse of his laptop screen and said, “You wouldn't get that anywhere, Ranvir.”
In June 2024, Andi Peters faced backlash online for a comment she made towards Ranvir Singh.
In September 2020, former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan felt Andi had embarrassed him on air.
Fans took to social media at the time to shame Andi for getting away with being “rude about a lady's weight” and said that “anyone else would be canceled and lose their job.”
In September 2020, former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan felt Andi had embarrassed him on air.
Piers had been candid about gaining almost a stone during lockdown, but was left upset when Andi appeared on screen doing a jumping exercise and made a harsh joke.
He said: 'Good morning Susana, good morning chubby! This is what you have to do, jump a little.'
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.