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Oops! 9 TV stars who accidentally broke social distancing rules on air

Restrictions have been put in place in studios

holly willoughby linda robson
Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
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After the UK government set out guidelines to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus during the ongoing pandemic back in July, some television stars have inadvertently broken social distancing rules. And while there are many celebrities taking these restrictions seriously, it's easy to see why various presenters have momentarily forgotten and were forced to be reminded about the rules.

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From The One Show's Alex Jones and This Morning host Holly Willoughby to Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard, take a look at some of the other TV stars who have almost fallen victim to breaking the social distancing guidelines.

Holly Willoughby

holly willoughby this morning© Photo: Rex

Holly was scolded by co-host Phillip Schofield after she accidentally broke the social distancing rules on This Morning. During a science experiment in the studio, the mum-of-three excitedly rushed over to help her on-screen partner and leaned in closely. "No, no, don't get so close. Get back," quipped Phillip. "Get back in your own area." Realising her mistake, Holly retorted: "Two metres, two metres."

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Linda Robson

linda robson loose women© Photo: Rex

In May, Ruth Langsford was joined by Jane Moore and Linda Robson in the Loose Women studio after ITV brought back the popular TV show. The three panellists discussed DIY lockdown haircuts with Jane struggling to control her fringe. Unaware, Linda offered to lend her a helping hand but Ruth was forced to step in and stop her. "I'll tell you what's quite difficult, holding the mirror with one hand," remarked Jane. To which, Linda offered: "Shall I hold the mirror for you?" Taking control, Ruth warned: "No you're not allowed to stand near her, Linda."

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Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford

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Eamonn and Ruth have previously reiterated on This Morning that despite the social-distancing rules implemented by the government, they're exempt due to living in the same household. Eamonn, 60, assured viewers: "With regard to social distancing, don't bother phoning in and saying 'why are these two together' because we are together all day in the house, we live together." He continued: "And in case a lot of you don't know this, we actually do live together."

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Kirstie Allsopp

kirstie allsopp filming new show© Photo: Channel 4

The Location, Location, Location presenter was recently accused of not complying with social distancing guidelines. Her Channel 4 programme, Keep Crafting and Carry On, was filmed over a two-week period during the lockdown, which reportedly upset locals. Kirstie was quick to defend herself and assured that the production team were all adhering to the guidelines. Taking to Twitter, the 48-year-old wrote: "THANK YOU SO MUCH whatever the Sun prints tomorrow, I now know for certain that many of you felt filming at home as we did, within strict protocols, was the right thing to do. #Craftmatters, Entertaining TV matters, and I’m proud of what we did. @RTRPGlasgow."

Susanna Reid

susanna and ben gmb© Photo: Rex

Good Morning Britain viewers were left perplexed as to why Susanna presented the show after co-host Piers Morgan revealed he had been tested for COVID-19. Many asked why she was not in self-isolation as well. Susanna asked their resident medic, Dr Hilary Jones, whether it was fine for her to be in the studio. Dr Hilary explained: "Well, remember that the symptoms are well defined as to why people should self-isolate. I spoke to Piers yesterday and he doesn't have symptoms normally associated with COVID-19, but as he said, out of an abundance of precaution he has taken the test."

Gogglebox

gogglebox malone© Photo: Channel 4

Gogglebox fans were left concerned over the Channel 4 show during the nationwide lockdown, questioning whether some households were abiding by the social distancing government guidelines. According to Ofcom, there have been 134 complaints that the show is breaching the guidelines over staying in their own household during lockdown, with sisters Ellie and Izzi particularly under fire, as the two have appeared on the show together despite living apart.

The show's announcer confirmed that the families were keeping within social distancing guidelines on the show. The Malone family also took to Twitter to deny that they have broken any rules by appearing on the show, writing: "Just going to put this out there so we are all up to date, I know the social distancing rules too, I love my grandkids, I would never put them or anyone else’s health in danger. My daughter and her children live with us, so she can go to work as a nurse."

Ben Shephard

ben shephard gmb© Photo: ITV

In July, Good Morning Britain viewers left furious after Ben Shephard accidentally broke social distancing live on air. During a segment on Lynx's new unusual deodorant, the 45-year-old approached his GMB colleague Charlotte Hawkins to get her to smell it. "You can't come too close, social distancing remember," quipped Charlotte, who looked unamused to smell the new Lynx and Marmite scent. "But yes I can smell it from here thank you."

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Alex Jones

alex jones touches max george arm© Photo: BBC

Alex Jones came under fire after she failed to adhere to social distancing rules on a recent episode of The One Show. After Max George was revealed to take part in Strictly Come Dancing this week, the 43-year-old leaned in and touched his arm as she wished him good luck during the show. Oh dear!

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