This Morning viewers blast Cliff Richard over "fat-shaming" Elvis comments
This Morning viewers have shared their dismay over Cliff Richard's recent comments about Elvis Presley.
The musician appeared on ITV's flagship daytime show yesterday (November 20) to promote his new memoir A Head Full of Music and new album 'Cliff with Strings — My Kinda Life'.
During the interview, presenter Alison Hammond asked Richard if he'd ever met Elvis. As Richard explained, he had "one chance" to meet the rock and roll legend but put off the meeting because Elvis "put on a lot of weight".
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"I thought, if I'm having a photograph taken with him and it's gonna be hanging on my refrigerator, he's gotta look good," Richard said. "And I put it off, and of course then he died."
"Should never have put it off just because they're a bit heavier," replied Alison, before quipping: "Is that why you don't want me at your house?"
Viewers of the show took to X — formerly Twitter — to blast Richard for his comments. One person posted a GIF of Elvis shaking his head, with a sad face emoji and the caption: "Did Cliff Richard just fat shame Elvis on #ThisMorning."
"Utterly surreal #ThisMorning today. And that comment at the end by Cliff about Elvis?" another wrote, alongside a shocked emoji.
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"Not content with fat shaming the legendary Elvis Presley on #ThisMorning Cliff Richard chose to air his thoughtless comments in front of Alison Hammond and Sarah Ferguson, two fabulous women who have been open about their own insecurities because of weight problems!" added another viewer.
A fourth viewer praised Alison for how she handled the situation, writing: "Alison dealt with Cliffs fat shaming just brilliantly then! Who does he think he is to turn down meeting Elvis cos he has put on weight! Elvis had a lucky escape!"
Digital Spy has reached out to Richard's reps for comment.
Yesterday's show saw Sarah Ferguson join Alison and Dermot O'Leary on the sofa. During her co-hosting stint, the Duchess of York offered relationship advice to callers and was on hand during the viewer competition 'Spin to Win'.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
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