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Dermot O'Leary presenting This Morning© Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock

Dermot O'Leary's statement on This Morning controversy leaves fans divided

Alison Hammond also spoke out about the recent show  

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
April 10, 2023
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Dermot O'Leary has divided fans after he released a statement about a recent segment on This Morning which sparked some upset amongst theatre goers.

Last week, Dermot and Alison Hammond were discussing whether audience members should be allowed to sing along with the songs being performed on stage. After debating if people should be quiet or be allowed to "have fun", the moment went viral online.

WATCH: Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond discuss her engagement rumours

Dermot released a statement on Easter Sunday via Twitter which read: "Evening all... A lot of people commenting about a reaction to a story we covered on This Morning about the 'Bodyguard' show and audiences singing along.

"Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview... as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres."

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Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond pose for This Morning photo

Dermot then added: "Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards. Peace and love to all. Now, back to those Easter eggs... Dx."

But it seems some were unimpressed with what the former X Factor host had to say. One fan wrote: "This is a really disappointing statement from you and I expected something better. Least you can do is apologise. Also audiences shouldn't be singing in theatres at all... not even quietly."

A second agreed writing: "Errr… that was an awkward read tbh. Check your co-hosts statement for how to be sincere and comeback to us. After you've eaten those Easter eggs of course."

Dermot and Alison host This Morning© REX

Others were more supportive of his message. "I've noticed you come to the theatre a lot and you are always so nice. Thank you for supporting!!," said a third user while a fourth had some constructive feedback about how This Morning could rectify their previous debate: "Get that Dermot and appreciate you but at the same time you have a platform and you laughed along.

"These people watched and went to the show and caused mayhem, we would love for #ThisMorning to do a segment on how one goes to the theatre & to highlight to refrain from ever singing along."

Meanwhile, Alison also released a statement apologising, stating she had "no idea" of the level of disruption audiences were causing and that she was sorry for "making light" of the situation.

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