Emmerdale has issued an apology after a joke about cerebral palsy aired in last week's episode prompted a wave of complaints, including 36 to broadcasting regulator Ofcom. The scene, which featured characters Dan Spencer and Nicola King drinking wine, included Nicola remarking on Dan's posture, saying: 'You look like you've got that, what is it? Himi, Hemi, Hemiplegia?'
Viewers took to social media to express outrage, with some calling the joke 'shameful' and 'disgraceful'. One Twitter user wrote: 'The comments on Cerebral palsy on Emmerdale was disgraceful comments. ITV should say apologies for these comments.' Another added: 'Insensitive of @emmerdale tonight comparing a form of cerebral palsy (hemiplegia) to drunkenness. Totally uncalled for.'
A spokesperson for Emmerdale defended the joke, stating: 'The character Nicola has hemiplegia, or partial paralysis affecting one side of her body. She is a character well-known for her acerbic humour and it is in keeping with her personality to make light of her own condition in this way.' However, the apology was not enough for some, with Ofcom confirming it had received 36 complaints about the incident.
Despite the backlash, one viewer who said they have cerebral palsy insisted they did not find offence, tweeting: 'Not all who have cerebral palsy is a victim.' The soap now faces a potential investigation by the broadcasting watchdog.
