Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has released its ruling on the 354 complaints sent its way about comments made by Lorraine Kelly aimed towards Nigel Farage.
Back in November when Farage was taking part in ITV's I'm A Celebrity - in which he finished in an impressive third place - Kelly mocked the GB News star's appearance and claimed she felt he looked older than he is.
She was speaking to Edwina Currie, a former I'm A Celeb campmate, at the time about his chances in the jungle and the latest goings-on from camp.
Currie told Kelly: "I think he’s in there because he thinks he can enhance his reputation.
"He’s seen as a responsible, intelligent and worthy person of some kind or other. He’s only, what 59? He’s got plenty ahead of him if he wants to get going again.”
Kelly then interjected to act surprised at discovering Farage's age as she questioned: "Is he?! Is he only 59?
Lorraine Kelly laughed about Farage on her ITV talk show
ITV
"I thought he was a hell of a lot older than that," she added.
Kelly continued her jibe at the former Brexit Party leader as she quipped: "That’s astonishing, that just shows you get the face you deserve! You really do."
Several viewers took to social media to slam Kelly for her comments and other 350 ended up lodging official complaints to Ofcom.
However, the regulatory body has decided against pursuing action for Kelly's comments.
A spokesperson told GB News: "We considered complaints from viewers who objected to comments made about Nigel Farage’s physical appearance.
"In our view, the brief exchange between the host and a reporter were part of a light-hearted discussion about jungle life, and within audience expectations for this programme."
The ruling flies in the face of viewers who branded Kelly's original comments as "disgusting" and "double standards".
At the time of the episode, one person fumed on X: "'Is he only 59? You get the face you deserve'. #NigelFarage With 3 women laughing. I guess body shaming men is fine isn’t it #Lorraine until a woman’s weight is mentioned."
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Lorraine Kelly was slammed for her comments about Nigel Farage while he was in the jungle
ITV/GETTY
A second similarly raged: "We all talk about body shaming being so wrong, but #lorraine Kelly has done that with #NigelFarage. There is nothing wrong with him. Maybe time to retire Lorraine and time for @Ofcom to react."
Meanwhile, another simply put: "#Lorraine Body shaming. Disgusting."
And a fourth echoed: "@ITV Why is it allowed for @lorraine to body shame & ridicule @Nigel_Farage's looks, laughing alongside other women?
"Are you going to get her to apologize for her disgusting remarks & behaviour? #lorraine #ImACeleb #ImACelebrity #ITV." (sic)
