ITV Viewers Threaten Ofcom Complaints Over Coronation Street, GMB Broadcasts

Several ITV programs have recently sparked viewer outrage and complaints to the broadcasting regulator Ofcom over controversial content and presentation styles. On Coronation Street, 55 complaints were lodged following a pre-watershed sexual scene involving characters Carl Webster and James Bailey, which some viewers found inappropriate for the 8pm timeslot. Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain's hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid faced backlash for their aggressive and persistent questioning of newly-elected Green Party leader Zack Polanski, particularly regarding his past hypnotherapy comments, leading viewers to describe the interview as 'embarrassing' and 'despicable' and threaten Ofcom complaints. The criticism extended to their focus on Polanski's political views on immigration and Brexit, which many found hostile and unfair. Additionally, Great British Bake Off viewers expressed mixed reactions to an unusual Jurassic Park-themed opening sketch for the 2025 series, with some threatening to complain to Ofcom due to the sketch's content and tone before the baking competition began, while others enjoyed the humor. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between program content, presentation approaches, and audience expectations for appropriate broadcasting standards.