Vanessa Feltz show guest apologises after remarks spark almost 2,000 complaints
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Vanessa Feltz's talk show has been hit with nearly 2,000 Ofcom complaints after a guest called a mother 'selfish' for wanting to breastfeed.
Earlier this year, the 63-year-old announced she was leaving This Morning after 33 years.
The broadcaster was a regular contributor to ITV, but now has her own show on Channel 5, which she has described as a 'politics-free zone'.
However, after inviting fashion designer Karen Millen onto her sofa to speak, her programme has been hit by a wave of complaints from viewers.
Vanessa reportedly asked Karen what she thought about breastfeeding a three-year-old child.
Karen replied: 'There's no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months really. I think it's quite a selfish thing on the mother's part.'
She went on to say: 'I just think that's not good emotionally for that child. I mean, what does that child do later in life?
'The attachment – like you say it becomes an addiction and an addiction for that child too because they only know the boob. It's just not normal, is it? I'm sorry, I find it very weird.'
Following the episode, 1,856 complaints were made to Ofcom, as some viewers also took to social media.
Good Morning Britain – March 8, 2021: A discussion about the interview between Oprah Winfrey and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a whopping 54,595 complaints.
Celebrity Big Brother – January 10, 2007: This episode, which focused on the alleged bullying of Shilpa Shetty by fellow housemates, received 45,159 complaints.
Celebrity Big Brother – August 30, 31, and September 1, 2018: A huge 25,327 complaints were made following Roxanne Pallett's allegation of assault by Ryan Thomas.
Britain's Got Talent – September 5, 2020: Diversity's performance generated 25,017 complaints after viewers perceived it as supporting Black Lives Matter.
Love Island – August 6, 2021: In total 24,921 complaints were made focusing on Faye's behaviour towards Teddy.
Julia Hartley-Brewer interview – January 3, 2024: Julia's interview with Palestinian politician Dr. Mustafa Barghouti received 17,366 complaints according to Ofcom.
@richardbuka wrote on X: 'My god, Karen Millen is a moron. How do we live in a society where it is considered unnatural to breastfeed but ok to reconstitute freeze-dried whey protein from an animal that diverged in evolution from us 100 million years ago and shove that into a baby every four hours?'
@keyboardgirl8 added: 'I thought Karen Millen dresses faded away in the 2000s. Glad I haven't purchased anything from them in a long time, what an ignorant woman.'
@tichenekr also commented: 'Can safely say I'll never buy from Karen Millen again. Disgraceful.'
Since her appearance on Vanessa's show, Karen has apologised, saying: 'I know I've upset a lot of your viewers and that was not my intention'.
In a clip, she can be heard explaining: 'The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed and my thoughts on that and my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding.
'I have three children and I breastfed all three of them up to six or seven months…
'I think my issue was more on the fact as a baby breast milk is the best and beyond being a baby, growing into toddler, I just found it more difficult to comes to terms with how it would benefit a three-year-old..
'And as a woman to women, I do respect your choices and I do want to support you…'
This comes after Vanessa was criticised for comments she made about people with coeliac disease in 2023, with her remarks being blasted as 'irresponsible' by viewers.
A caller named Alison claimed she was 'being forced to have a gluten-free Christmas' because her mother-in-law insisted the meal be void of gluten to cater to one person, who has to have a gluten-free diet.
Responding, Vanessa said: 'She's treating coeliac disease as if it's a kind of fatal, potentially fatal peanut allergy and that they can't have anything with gluten in the house, which is completely unreasonable.' More Trending
Following the segment, the charity Coeliac UK released a statement lambasting what was said, and also posted an open letter that the organisation addressed to ITV.
The tweet read: 'Today on ITV's @thismorning, coeliac disease was discussed during a phone in segment on the show. We are deeply concerned about the content and advice given to a caller attending a Christmas family event where all of the food will be gluten free to protect the health of a person with coeliac disease.'
Metro has approached Karen Millen and Channel 5 for comment.
View More »
Vanessa is available to watch on Channel 5.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Wincey Willis, ITV's first female weather presenter, dies aged 76
MORE: Netflix drops every episode of 'suspense-filled' period drama with Line of Duty star
MORE: 'We are aware': Coronation Street issues statement and urges fans to act
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
36 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street star quits after two years – and his final scenes have already aired
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street star Jack Carroll has quietly quit the show after two years. Actor and comedian Jack, 26, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined the soap back in October 2023 as Bobby Crawford, the secret son of killer Rob Donovan, and nephew of Carla Connor. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Jack Carroll has quit Coronation Street after 18 months Credit: ITV 2 The actor played Rob Donovan's secret son Credit: ITV Bosses made a big deal of his casting with Jack saying at the time: 'I'm delighted and honoured to be playing a part in the history of the cultural institution that is Coronation Street. "I hope Bobby brings viewers a lot of laughs in the vein of some of the street's classic comedy characters." But The Sun can reveal that Jack filmed his final scenes back in March, with his low-key exit airing on screen last month after his storyline came to a natural end. In scenes that played out on the 12th May, Bobby decided to fly out to Spain for a last minute holiday after close friend Lauren Bolton accused him of being her blackmailer. He told his aunt Carla, actress Alison King, that he would be joining Simon Barlow on his travels. Simon Barlow actor Alex Bain was also axed by bosses and left the soap last year. A Corrie source said: 'Jack loved his time on the cobbles but it came to a natural end for now. 'He did 18 months on the street and loved every minute of it. 'His exit was very low-key and even the viewers didn't realise his last minute holiday to Spain would be a permanent move. 'Jack wanted to go quietly and not make a fuss. Jack Carroll on Britain's Got Talent 'The door is very much open for him to return in future storylines.' Jack shot to fame at 14 when he was the runner up on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent in 2014. Coronation Street's 2024 shock exits Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap: Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany. The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza's grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life. Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes. After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live. Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering. Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America. Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul's impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full. Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles. The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend. Simon's been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy. Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child. It looks likely she'll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind. Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end. Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. His stand up comedy routine was a hit with the judges and viewers alike and he went on to appear on Saturday Night at the London Palladium, Jason Manford's Funny Old Week and Live At the Apollo as well as completing his first national live tour. Since filming his Corrie exit Jack has been busy with a new podcast, Love int North, which celebrates the most northern love stories.
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Love Island's stunning new bombshell revealed as she flies out to Majorca – and she only dumped her ex LAST WEEK
LOVE Island's new bombshell has been revealed as stunning blonde Poppy Harrison - and she's only dumped her ex LAST WEEK. The villa has already had a tumultuous couple of days and it's now set to be rocked by another sexy bombshell. 4 4 Poppy 22, broke up with her boyfriend just this week following the news she would be making a shock entrance into the villa. The Islander, from Staffordshire, flew out to Mallorca last night and is expected to be poolside this weekend. A source said: 'Poppy is super flirtatious on a night out and I could see her fitting in well with this year's cast. 'She is a fan of the show." They continued: "Her split came with her ex came out of the blue - her boyfriend wasn't expecting it at all. "She's a smart girl and is likely heading into the villa with a gameplan." Poppy boasts over 8,000 followers on Instagram, giving her fans a glimpse into her luxurious lifestyle. She can be seen skiing with influencer pal, Maddie Eastham, showing off her designer purchases and sunning herself in Cannes. Another shows her with a personalised-plate £50,000 Range Rover Evoque. She often posts glamorous photos on nights out and on holiday in a bikini. The Sun have reached out to ITV for comment. VILLA AT WAR It's been chaos in the villa the last 24 hours as Helena stormed off from the group after a savage Love Island game saw Harry finally admitting to snogging Yasmin. Yasmin initiated the smooch after Harry admitted he enjoyed their kiss in a villa challenge. She told him bluntly: "I'm waiting for you to shut up and kiss me." Harry duly obliged and went all in. He grabbed Yasmin by the throat and bit her lip as they gave in to desire. Yasmin was just as handsy, leaving her mark on Harry by scratching his neck. But despite their snog, neither Harry nor Yasmin admitted to it when they returned from the Hideaway. That was until their actions were exposed in a brutal firepit game on Thursday night. Helena was left in shock as Yasmin revealed they'd kissed not once, but three times. And while Harry smirked, the stunning air hostess was backed by co-star Megan. 'You're a liar,' Megan shouted across the firepit to Harry, adding: 'You owe it to Helena to be f****** honest, you p****. 'She's sat there watching you go into the Hideaway, you kissed her three times and then come out and go 'Oh no, I didn't do anything.'' Meg finished by telling Harry: 'Grow a pair of b******* mate, honestly, grow the f*** up.' After her sweary rant at the scandalous star, Helena got up and stormed off from the group as Remell said: 'I think we should wrap it up here.' While Helena could be seen storming off as Harry showed no sign of remorse. There were more fireworks earlier in the game when it was revealed Yasmin said she'd like Harry to "tip her upside down". Elsewhere, Conor read out a comment from Dejon that ruffled Meg's feathers. Dejon previously told the boys about Yasmin: "She's never orgasmed, so if I give her her first orgasm, then she'll fall in love." After Conor read out the comment, Yasmin said to the group: "I mean, if you can make me orgasm, fair play. I probably will fall in love." Things go from bad to worse when Remell read out a remark that Harry made to the boys about wanting to kiss Yasmin. Helena yelled: "What the f*** is going on here?" Megan exclaimed: "He tells you f*** all and that's why, you need to find out and hear it for yourself." Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Holbrough: A model ready to make waves. Megan Clarke: An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. Rose Selway: Beauty salon owner from Devon who runs 12 aesthetics clinics, boasting a famous clientele including former Love Islanders. Yasmin Pettet: The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. Malisha Jordan: A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Emily Moran: Bombshell Welsh brunette from the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel. Shea Mannings: Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. Remell Mullins: Boasts over 18million likes and 500k followers on TikTok thanks to his sizzling body transformation videos. Harrison Solomon: Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Departures: Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. 4
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Coronation Street star quits after two years – and his final scenes have already aired
CORONATION Street star Jack Carroll has quietly quit the show after two years. Actor and comedian Jack, 26, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined the soap back in October 2023 as Bobby Crawford, the secret son of killer Rob Donovan, and nephew of Carla Connor. 2 2 Bosses made a big deal of his casting with Jack saying at the time: 'I'm delighted and honoured to be playing a part in the history of the cultural institution that is Coronation Street. "I hope Bobby brings viewers a lot of laughs in the vein of some of the street's classic comedy characters." But The Sun can reveal that Jack filmed his final scenes back in March, with his low-key exit airing on screen last month after his storyline came to a natural end. In scenes that played out on the 12th May, Bobby decided to fly out to Spain for a last minute holiday after close friend Lauren Bolton accused him of being her blackmailer. He told his aunt Carla, actress Alison King, that he would be joining Simon Barlow on his travels. Simon Barlow actor Alex Bain was also axed by bosses and left the soap last year. A Corrie source said: 'Jack loved his time on the cobbles but it came to a natural end for now. 'He did 18 months on the street and loved every minute of it. 'His exit was very low-key and even the viewers didn't realise his last minute holiday to Spain would be a permanent move. 'Jack wanted to go quietly and not make a fuss. Jack Carroll on Britain's Got Talent 'The door is very much open for him to return in future storylines.' Jack shot to fame at 14 when he was the runner up on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent in 2014. Coronation Street's 2024 shock exits Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap: Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany. The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza's grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life. Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes. After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live. Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering. Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America. Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul's impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full. Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles. The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend. Simon's been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy. Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child. It looks likely she'll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind. Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end. Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. His stand up comedy routine was a hit with the judges and viewers alike and he went on to appear on Saturday Night at the London Palladium, Jason Manford's Funny Old Week and Live At the Apollo as well as completing his first national live tour. Since filming his Corrie exit Jack has been busy with a new podcast, Love int North, which celebrates the most northern love stories.
