Holly Willoughby was shut down by a co-star and ridiculed by viewers at home after making a 'ridiculous' comment about the hurdles during the launch episode of The Games.
While the celeb sport contest is ITV's new primetime offering this week, taking the coveted 9pm slot across consecutive nights, it isn't actually a new format as The Games was originally on Channel 4, back in the 2000s. It ran for four series between 2003 and 2006, with winners including MC Harvey and Kirsty Gallacher.
The Games contestants list for the ITV version boasts an eclectic mix of stars including The Wanted's Max George, Spice Girl Mel B's daughter Phoenix and Christine McGuinness.
READ MORE: Meet The Games contestants ready to do battle as ITV show launches
The competition got going on Monday night, with Holly, who is missing This Morning all week, joined by co-host Freddie Flintoff, as well as sporting heroes like Olympic diving gold medallist Matty Lee and 2000 Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis. Denise joined Holly as she previewed the hurdles, with Holly musing: "It's fair to say I'm not a sporting expert in any way, shape or form, but I was watching them do the hurdles earlier and it's slightly unfair. If you are taller, right?"
After telling athletics legend Denise to 'bear with her,' on her point, Holly continued: "Is it fair. Do you think people that are shorter should have shorter hurdles, because they do it in horse racing with weights. They do it in boxing, they have different things..." Looking taken aback by Holly's opinion, Denise responded: "Um, no. I don't think they should, actually, Holly," before admitting it was 'a good question.'
Freddie Flintoff was a lot less diplomatic, firing back to question: "Seriously?" Viewers shared in Flintoff's disbelief, with one taking to Twitter to post: "Holly Willoughby "Should shorter people be allowed to jump shorter hurdles?" #thegames almost on a par with @mikeparry8 suggesting wing mirrors for jockeys lol" A second commented: "Never thought I would say this but: I am heartily sick of seeing Holly Willoughby on TV. Have we no new talent, perhaps with a sporting insight, who deserves a chance on The Games?"
However, one agreed with Holly reacting: "I agree with Holly. The ladies hurdles race should have a handicap system in place. As maybe should other events. Nice to see Tony Jarrett. A proper world class athlete."
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