ITV's flagship daytime show Loose Women has been plunged into a fierce controversy after hosting adult film performer Stormy Keogh, sparking immediate and furious backlash from its loyal viewer base.
Hundreds of viewers took to social media to express their outrage, with many stating the interview was completely unsuitable for the programme's time slot. The segment, which aired on Wednesday, was met with accusations of being "tasteless" and a "new low" for the popular panel show.
Viewer Outrage Erupts Online
The criticism was swift and unrelenting. One exasperated viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter, "What on earth are @loosewomen thinking having a porn star on at lunchtime? Absolutely disgusting! Have some respect for your viewers."
Another echoed the sentiment, questioning the editorial judgement: "Since when was it ok to have a porn star on daytime TV? My kids are in the room... appalling decision by @loosewomen." The overarching complaint centred around the belief that the content belonged on late-night television, not in a slot typically watched by families and children.
A Defence Against the Backlash
Despite the torrent of criticism, some viewers rallied to defend the show's choice of guest. They argued that Stormy Keogh was there to discuss broader issues and that the backlash was overly puritanical.
One supporter commented, "People need to get a grip. She's a person talking about her life and work. It's not like they were showing explicit material. The hypocrisy is astounding." This highlights the divisive nature of the segment, splitting the audience into two camps.
Ofcom Complaints and The Ofsted Comparison
The row has escalated significantly, with numerous viewers confirming they have lodged formal complaints with the media regulator, Ofcom. The volume of complaints will determine if the watchdog launches an official investigation into whether the segment breached broadcasting rules.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Keogh's interview touched upon her previous career in education, specifically her time as a teaching assistant. This revelation further fuelled the anger of some viewers, who found the contrast between her past and present professions particularly jarring and inappropriate for discussion.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line daytime TV walks in balancing engaging content with its responsibility to a broad and often mixed-age audience.
