This Morning Segment Sparks Viewer Backlash Over 'Cringe' Rap Performance
Viewers of the popular ITV daytime show This Morning were left stunned and critical after a recent segment featuring presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. The incident occurred during a special World Book Day celebration on Thursday, where the hosts were joined by educational rapper MC Grammar, whose real name is Jacob Mitchell.
MC Grammar's Mission to Promote Reading Through Music
MC Grammar appeared in the ITV studio to discuss his innovative movement that encourages children to read by transforming books into rap songs. Earlier in the week, the social media sensation achieved a Guinness World Record by leading 859 school children in a 30-minute rapping and rhyming lesson aimed at fostering a love for reading. His appearance on This Morning was intended to inspire young people to engage with books and help adults make reading enjoyable through musical activities.
The rapper first gained widespread attention in 2019 when a clip of him rapping the classic children's book The Gruffalo to his daughter went viral online. Since then, his educational raps have amassed millions of views and even garnered support from hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg.
The Controversial Rap Segment with Cat and Ben
During the show, MC Grammar involved both Cat Deeley, aged 49, and Ben Shephard, aged 51, in a rap performance of the beloved children's book Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. To get into character, he provided the presenters with sunglasses and gave them a 'make-over' to look rap-ready. As the music played, Cat and Ben were seen bobbing along and joining in with the lyrics.
However, the segment took an unexpected turn when Cat, seemingly getting carried away with the rhythm, stood up from the sofa and began shaking her behind in Ben's direction. Ben responded with laughter, but viewers at home did not share his amusement.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
Audiences quickly took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their disapproval, labeling the scene as 'cringe' and awkward. One viewer wrote, 'What fresh hell is this?!' while another agreed, 'Oh no, this is awful.' A third comment read, 'To new viewers... No, you are not hallucinating. This is perfectly normal for this s**t show,' and a fourth added, 'Dies from cringe.'
Other fans pleaded with Cat, with one saying, 'Please Cat, no,' and another remarking, 'OMG, that was horrendous. Can this show get any worse?' The backlash highlighted a growing sentiment of discomfort among the show's audience.
Previous Controversies Involving Cat Deeley
This incident is not the first time Cat Deeley has sparked controversy on This Morning. Recently, fans were left gasping when she paid a compliment to co-star Tom Swarbrick that many deemed inappropriate. During a segment discussing Harry Styles' BRIT Awards outfit, Tom modeled a formal look, and Cat commented that it made him look 'sixth form... which is strangely attractive, in a weird way.'
Viewers reacted strongly on social media, with one noting, 'If a male had made that comment about sixth formers there would be hell on This Morning.' Another added, 'I thought that too. She did back it up by saying it reminds her of being a teenager. Thank god Ben didn’t say it.'
Cat's Recent Blunders and Absence
Cat's return to the show earlier this month was marked by another mishap when she admitted to accidentally sitting on an iPad before going live, damaging the device. Ben Shephard revealed the incident on air, with Cat joking that she had 'blown the budget' with her butt.
Her absence from the program last week also stirred confusion among fans, with guest presenters Angela Scanlon and Alison Hammond stepping in. Some viewers questioned her whereabouts, while others debated the replacements' performances. Supporters of Angela Scanlon praised her as a 'breath of fresh air' and called for her to replace Cat permanently.
Past Cheeky Moments on the Show
In a previous episode, Cat was left blushing when co-star Clodagh McKenna complimented her bottom live on air during a cooking segment. Clodagh joked about Cat's tight-fitting jeans, saying, 'I did say earlier how good Cat's bottom is looking in these jeans. They really do... viewership will soar!' Cat responded with embarrassment, covering her behind and thanking Clodagh for the kind words.
These recurring incidents have sparked debates among viewers about the appropriateness of certain comments and actions on live television. As This Morning continues to air weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX, the show remains a topic of discussion for its blend of entertainment and occasional controversy.
