ITV viewers call for presenter to be ‘ditched’ following Luke Littler ‘fat shaming’ remarks: ‘Should be ashamed!’
Good Morning Britain host Adil Ray has sparked outrage after making comments about teenage darts sensation Luke Littler’s physique during Thursday morning’s show.
The presenter faced immediate backlash from viewers after expressing concerns about the 17-year-old’s health and appearance on the ITV programme.
Ray, 50, admitted his remarks “might not be very popular” before suggesting the young darts star was “turning into the look of a darts player.”
The comments led to accusations of “fat-shaming” from horrified viewers, with many taking to social media to condemn the host’s remarks about the teenage prodigy.
Viewers have since demanded an investigation from broadcasting watchdog Ofcom over what they described as “shocking behaviour” during the morning broadcast.
During the show, Ray expressed specific worries about Littler’s lifestyle choices.
“I’m a little bit worried about Littler. He’s 17 and he’s turning into the look of a darts player,” he said on the programme.
The host went on to criticise the teenager’s pre-match routine, adding: “He’s admitting to having pizzas before a match.”
When challenged, Ray doubled down on his position, stating: “He’s going to get more successful and he can keep on doing it but I don’t want him to get too unhealthy.”
The presenter appeared particularly concerned about Littler’s gaming habits and diet, noting: “If I were his mum and dad, I mean, he’s sort of – 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.”
Co-host Kate Garraway attempted to defuse the situation by defending the young darts player.
Garraway, 57, reminded Ray that Littler was “so successful” in his career, suggesting the host was “fretting” unnecessarily.
She then lightened the mood by suggesting Ray should visit Littler’s dressing room with a carrot “to see how that goes down.”
Ray played along with the joke, quipping: “Just before the final. Here you go, I’ve got a salad for you from Pret.”
Despite the hosts’ attempts to make light of the situation, the exchange failed to amuse viewers at home.
One viewer wrote on social media: “Adil Ray just casually fat shaming a 17-year-old kid on GMB, should be ashamed.”
Another viewer criticised both hosts, stating: “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.”
Some viewers called for Ray’s dismissal, with one posting: “Please ditch that Adil Ray! I hope he makes a public apology to Luke Littler after making derogatory comments about him.”
Others highlighted perceived hypocrisy in the comments: “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.”
“Really, fat-shaming live on morning TV; Ofcom should investigate this shocking behaviour,” another viewer added. (sic)
Luke Littler and his family have not yet responded to the comments.
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Littler’s remarkable rise in darts continues, having secured a place in the World Championship semi-finals with a commanding 5-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall on New Year’s Day.
The teenage sensation averaged an impressive 101.54 with 15 180s and three ton-plus finishes during the quarter-final match.
His performance drew comparisons to darts legends, with one fan noting: “Littler’s doing something that I’ve only ever seen from Taylor and van Gerwen in that he’s making 100+ averages look mundane and ordinary.”
The 17-year-old has become one of darts’ biggest names, earning £200,000 as runner-up in last year’s World Championship final.
His popularity has soared so significantly that he topped both the Prime Minister and King Charles in Google’s most-searched names of 2024.
Littler will face Stephen Bunting in Thursday evening’s semi-final at Alexandra Palace.
GB News has contacted ITV for a comment.