Complaint
In a sequence on the programme, the celebrity dancer Ugo Monye was filmed driving and talking to his professional dance partner Oti Mabuse.Β A viewer complained that filming someone whilst in charge of a motor vehicle and performing to camera was in contravention of the Highway Code and that it set a poor example to the viewing public. The ECU considered this complaint in the light of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Editorial Standards relating to safety and imitative behaviour.
Outcome
In the ECU’s view proper care was taken by the programme team in preparing for filming. The crew conducted a risk assessment and a safety car was driving ahead to reduce the risk of an accident. The simple act of filming was not in itself a breach of the Guidelines as drivers face many distractions, not all of which are considered inherently dangerous, including talking to passengers. The ECU did not conclude it was likely adult drivers would be influenced by what they saw on screen. However, it agreed that Mr Monye should not have removed both hands from the steering wheel while driving, however briefly as there did not appear to be a sufficient editorial justification for doing so on this occasion.Β
Partly upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the Board of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Content and discussed with the programme-makers concerned