The Chase UK: ‘is hit by Ofcom complaints after Bradley Walsh breaks social distancing’

The Chase has reportedly been hit by complaints from media watchdog Ofcom, after outraged viewers accused the show of flouting social distancing rules.

In a star-studded Celebrity Special, host Bradley Walsh congratulated the contestants with hugs and handshakes after they scooped £120,000 for charity, despite being filmed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Much of the TV industry has been forced to adhere to strict safety guidelines, with contestants on numerous game shows ordered to maintain social distancing during filming.

Controversy: The Chase has reportedly been hit by complaints from media watchdog Ofcom, after outraged viewers accused the show of flouting social distancing rules

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols. 

‘As such, host Bradley Walsh and the celebrity contestants were able to physically interact for short intervals. The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance.’

This was in addition to stringent social distancing measures off screen in line with government advice; including temperature checks, 2m distancing, mandatory face coverings, handwashing and sanitiser stations, designated equipment, on-site catering changes and more. 

A source also said: ‘Everyone had to undertake a PCR (coronavirus) test 48-72 hours in advance of the show.

‘They had to declare adherence to social distancing requirements between test and arrival on set in line with government guidance.

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols'

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols’ 

‘They also had to declare that they and household members are COVID symptom free and weren’t required to isolate.

According to The Sun, last month ITV filmed a series of celebrity specials across three days, with contestants able to stand two metres apart throughout filming.

Saturday’s episode saw Anita Rani, Mark Pougatch and Dane Baptist win a staggering £120,000 for their chosen charities after beating Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty in the final round.

Many viewers flooded Twitter with furious reaction as they noted the stars had failed to adhere to distancing rules, with the publication claiming 23 viewers had complained to Ofcom.

We won! Saturday's episode saw Anita Rani, Mark Pougatch and Dane Baptist win a staggering £120,000 for their chosen charities

We won! Saturday’s episode saw Anita Rani, Mark Pougatch and Dane Baptist win a staggering £120,000 for their chosen charities

Even host Bradley struggled to follow the rules, shaking hands with Nigel Owens after he was beaten by The Chaser.

However a representative for ITV told The Daily Star that bosses used ”lose contact cohort protocols’ to allow the contestants to interact during filming.

They said: ‘Series 11 of The Chase Celebrity Special was filmed using approved Close Contact Cohort protocols. As such, host Bradley Walsh and the celebrity contestants were able to physically interact for short intervals.

‘The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance.’

Fuming: Viewers flooded Twitter with furious reaction as they noted the stars had failed to adhere to distancing rules, with The Sun claiming 23 viewers had complained to Ofcom

Fuming: Viewers flooded Twitter with furious reaction as they noted the stars had failed to adhere to distancing rules, with The Sun claiming 23 viewers had complained to Ofcom

Regardless one viewer tweeted: ‘After lockdown as @itsanitarani at one point said ”during lockdown”!! I can’t believe all the handshaking and hugging that was going on… no social distancing whatsoever!’

Another posted: ‘@ITV @thechase congratulations on socially distancing throughout the show… not.’

A third added: ‘What happened to social distancing in #thechase if Anita didn’t mention it I would of none it was filmed recently.’ [sic] 

Well done! Host Bradley himself was also seen congratulating the contestants with handshakes

Well done! Host Bradley himself was also seen congratulating the contestants with handshakes

‘Meanwhile on #TheChase the set has been adapted for social distancing but no one seems to be bothering. Did I miss something at the start?’ a fan also posted.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for The Chase, Ofcom and Ofcom for further comment.

Current government guidelines state that people in England should remain at least two metres apart or ‘one metre plus’ where possible, if they are from separate households or support bubbles. 

The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV

Back soon: The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV

Back soon: The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV