This Morning will host a segment on gluten-free cooking on Thursday after the show's long-suffering aunt Vanessa Feltz came under fire for her “irresponsible” comments about celiac disease.
A leading charity has called on ITV to formally apologize after 61-year-old Vanessa was accused of spreading misinformation about the disease, which causes the immune system to attack tissue when gluten is eaten.
On Wednesday's episode, hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson addressed the recent backlash while Vanessa sat across from them on the sofa.
The presenters announced that Celiac UK Ambassador Becky Excell would show viewers how to make a gluten-free Christmas dinner.
At the start of her daily news segment, Craig said: “Vanessa, you've made some headlines around celiac disease this week.”
This Morning will host a segment on gluten-free cooking on Thursday after the show's long-suffering aunt Vanessa Feltz came under fire for her “irresponsible” comments about celiac disease
A leading charity has called on ITV to formally apologize after 61-year-old Vanessa was accused of spreading misinformation about the disease, which causes the immune system to attack tissue when gluten is eaten
“We just want to say we're going to look more into living with the disease on the show.” Tomorrow, for example, the brilliant Becky Excell is coming over to cook a gluten-free Christmas dinner.
“And in the new year we'll be delving deeper into living with celiac disease and similar illnesses every day, that's all that's to come, but for now let's get on with the news.”
In response to the announcement, Becky tweeted: “So…it's happening.” @thismorning contacted me and asked if I would come on the show and I said…YES.
“Tomorrow morning I will have the opportunity to show that gluten-free Christmas dinner is easy to prepare and delicious and that it is neither difficult nor a problem for us gluten-free people.”
“What are some of the things I’d most like to mention? (If I get the chance…it's live TV but I can only do my best)
“On behalf of the entire celiac disease and gluten-free community, I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.” I really hope you’ll tune in and support me. I'm pretty nervous! Thank you to everyone who asked for me to be on the show – it means a lot to me!'
This happened after Dr. Zoe, who practices as an NHS GP in London, gave medical advice about celiac disease on Tuesday's This Morning following the backlash.
However, fans noted on X – formerly known as Twitter – that the broadcaster had not issued a formal apology.
Host Craig told Dr. Zoe: “A lot of people ask if we can clarify some information about what celiac disease is?”
The presenters announced that Celiac UK Ambassador Becky Excell would show viewers how to make a gluten-free Christmas dinner
In response to the announcement, Becky tweeted: “So…it's happening.” @thismorning contacted me and asked if I would come on the show and I said…YES.
“Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. It's not an allergy. This means your body's immune system is causing the problem, it's a reaction to gluten.
“Some people are very sensitive to celiac disease.” “Even the slightest trace of gluten can cause long-term damage to the small intestine and lead to really serious illness.”
While viewers were pleased to see a medical professional provide information, they called for ITV to formally apologize for Vanessa's misinformed advice.
Vanessa has now apologized on her Drivetime show on Talk TV.
Vanessa was joined by Dr. Saleyha Ahsan and a viewer named Jason, who suffers from celiac disease.
The presenter began: “I found myself at the center of a social media storm this week, I'll get into that next,” before playing a clip from Monday's This Morning conference call.
She continued, “I said what I said there, but then I added that you should get in the Christmas spirit and still enjoy a gluten-free meal.”
“I did not suggest that they should endanger celiac disease, nor did I intend to show any disrespect whatsoever to anyone who has celiac disease.”
“I'm amazed at the reaction and appalled that anyone is upset. “I don't think I said anything wrong, but if anyone is upset I'm very sorry.”
Vanessa and her guests continued to discuss how the condition affects the body and what can be done to manage celiac disease.
She concluded, “All I ever want is clarity and compassion, and I'm definitely not trying to downplay celiac disease.”
“The last thing I wanted to do was upset anyone and I hope I made amends.”
This Morning hosted a segment on celiac disease on Tuesday with Dr. Zoe Williams after the show's anguished aunt Vanessa Feltz came under fire for her “irresponsible” comments
Vanessa's comments quickly became one of the most complained about moments of 2023, with Ofcom revealing she had received 1,092 complaints.
The regulator said: “We review the complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate.”
On Monday's show, Vanessa addressed viewers' issues when a caller called Alison called in to complain about being “forced into a gluten-free Christmas” by her mother-in-law, who wants to entertain a guest.
Vanessa read out the problem to co-hosts Josie Gibson and Craig, and also added that Alison has a 15-year-old daughter who is “a bit fussy about food.”
Vanessa said: “When Alison said, “Then can we bring our own food?” Can we bring food in a snack box?” She said no. “So she treats celiac disease like it's some kind of deadly, potentially fatal peanut allergy and she can't have anything with gluten in the house, which is completely unreasonable.”
Vanessa then advised: “That's not sensible at all, Alison.” The thing is, though, if you say to her: “Look, he can eat gluten-free, we don't have to, it's not contagious.” What will she say? How will she react?'
Alison replied, “She'll tell me I don't know the facts and tell me to read up on it.”
Vanessa added: “But you don't and she's wrong, I mean she's just clearly wrong about that. 'Completely wrong.'
While Vanessa told Alison that she was “100 percent right” about the situation, she said she “pretty much has to go along” to keep the peace.
“Have a snack on the way, take something to eat in the car on the way home, don't stay too late, but don't argue with your mother-in-law over a little gluten, that's what I do.” think. Or the lack of gluten,” she added.
Josie then chimed in and pointed out that people with celiac disease need to be careful about cross-contamination with gluten.
Vanessa then replied: “But there doesn't have to be any cross-contamination, especially if you bring your own food from home and your 15-year-old has what he actually likes in the snack box, which he brings would be completely fine.” .
“But I just think, is it worth arguing with her, interfering and making a big deal out of it when it's just a day, pretty much a meal?”
On Tuesday, Dr. Zoe, who practices as an NHS GP in London, gave medical advice on celiac disease following Monday's backlash
The post immediately sparked outrage among viewers about the condition, while Celiac UK, a charity for people living without gluten, quickly called Vanessa out over her comments.
In a post on We are deeply concerned about the content and advice given to a caller attending a family event at Christmas where all food will be gluten-free to protect the health of a person with celiac disease.
“We actively follow @ITV. You can read our open letter in the comments below and share any responses we receive.
“In the meantime, we ask that you contact This Morning and ask them to apologize to our on-air gluten-free community for this harmful and inaccurate information and to work with Celiac UK to ensure their information is accurate going forward .”
They also shared an open letter to ITV expressing their “deep concern at the advice given to the caller”, noting that ill-informed advice and a dismissive tone towards celiac disease and its severity were the trigger for this letter of complaint.
They highlighted the severity of the health implications of celiac disease and further claimed that Vanessa's “trivialization” of the disease was “discouraging and damaging to the understanding of this condition.”
They added that such a mainstream platform should not “downplay” the importance of the matter.
Meanwhile, angry viewers, some of whom suffer from the condition, said Vanessa was giving “bad advice” and called on her to investigate.
Viewers accused her of spreading misinformation, commenting: “Oh my, @ITV @ThisMorning seems to be falling for the modern trend of opposing the spread of misinformation. 'Since when is Vanessa Feltz qualified to give medical advice?';
“@ThisMorning, can Vanessa please offer a full apology to the hundreds of thousands of celiacs in the UK?” This hoax is not only annoying, it's downright dangerous. Can you have that please? [gluten free chef] Becky Excell on her show who will show you how delicious GF food can be”;
“This is what happens when ill-informed and ignorant moderators like Vanessa Feltz spread misinformation. She must be held accountable for her dangerous words!';
“This morning you must address the misinformation that Vanessa Feltz spread on your show yesterday.” Please invite Becky Excell Gluten Free to the show to provide accurate advice and refute Ms. Feltz's dangerously false information. “
Web has contacted Vanessa and This Morning for comment.
Celiac disease is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately one in 100 people.
Vanessa spoke to Dr. on her drivetime show Talk TV on Tuesday. Saleyha Ahsan and a viewer named Jason, who suffers from celiac disease.
Celiac UK, a charity for people living without gluten, immediately contacted Vanessa about her comments and also published an open letter calling on ITV to apologize
This happens when the body's immune system misinterprets the substances contained in gluten – found in wheat, barley and rye – as a threat and attacks them.
However, the body attacks its own tissue at the same time, which can damage the intestinal lining.
This autoimmune reaction typically causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, excessive gas, nausea, cramps, bloating, headaches, and weight loss. However, there are also difficulties digesting food, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.
In some cases, sufferers may experience neurological problems such as loss of balance and slurred speech.
There is no cure for celiac disease. Scientists don't even fully understand why people develop this disease.
Instead, sufferers are advised to completely avoid gluten, which is found in bread, cookies and even ketchup.
Some experts say celiac disease is a spectrum disorder, with symptoms varying among people in both type and severity.
What is Celiac Disease?
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease.
- It is caused by an immune system reaction to gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine
- Celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people
- Only 36% of those affected were diagnosed
- There are currently almost half a million people who have celiac disease but don't yet know it
- This autoimmune reaction typically causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, excessive gas, nausea, cramps, bloating, headaches, and weight loss. However, there are also difficulties digesting food, which can lead to anemia and fatigue
- Once diagnosed, the only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet
Source: Celiac UK