Loose Women viewers have expressed their outrage after host Andrea McLean described a story about the alleged poisoning of a Russian spy as ‘exciting’.
Fans of the show took issue with the light-hearted way in which McLean and her fellow panellists approached the discussion of the situation which has left agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in critical condition in hospital.
One wrote: “Wow, they all realised the gravity of the spy situation didn’t they? “There’s a spy dying in Salisbury, exciting innit ladies???” Shocking.”
Another tweeted: “Shame on @loosewomen making light of the poisoning of former Russian spy who’s fighting for his life in hospital… calling it ‘exciting’ and ‘fascinating’.
RiceCakesnRaisinsNo @loosewomen I'm certainly not 'a tiny bit excited' that a Russian spy and his daughter have been poisoned and are now fighting for their life. Thought I'd misheard but sadly not!!
Ciara CurranShame on @loosewomen making light of the poisoning of former Russian spy who’s fighting for his life in hospital...calling it “exciting” and “fascinating”
karen cousinsi can't believe Andrea asked if people were excited about the spy story - there are two people in hospital critically ill #LooseWomen
A third commented: “I can’t believe Andrea asked if people were excited about the spy story – there are two people in hospital critically ill #
McLean introduced the segment by saying: "It's like something out of a spy novel. You couldn't believe that in sleepy Salisbury something like this could happen.
"Are you a tiny bit excited?"