TOWIE is hit with complaints to Ofcom as furious fans BLAST show for letting stars visit pubs and restaurants during lockdown for work
The Only Way Is Essex has been hit by complaints to Ofcom after the stars were seen visiting pubs and restaurants while the UK is in lockdown.
According to a report from the government regulatory authority on Wednesday, 64 people have contacted them to complain about the programme since its launch on Sunday night.
Before the episode began, bosses clarified in a disclaimer that the 28th series was filmed following strict Covid-19 protocols so that the cast and crew are safe.
Upset: TOWIE was hit with complaints to Ofcom as furious fans blasted show for letting stars visit pubs and restaurants in lockdown, it was revealed on Wednesday (pictured: Chloe Sims)
It read: ‘The show will still be bringing you the cast’s real lives and stories, but to keep everyone safe TOWIE have had to create its own little world to film in.
‘So, although you may see cast in pubs and restaurants, don’t worry because they’ve opened just for the show and have put in lots of extra measures, so Lime Pictures and ITV can still bring you the TOWIE you love safely.’
During the show, stars like Chloe Sims and her sister Demi were seen at a bar while the cast also celebrated a birthday party, and they also visited each other’s houses.
![Upset: According to the government regulatory authority, 64 people have contacted them to complain about the programme since its launch on Sunday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40631226-9376175-image-a-45_1616070239512.jpg)
Upset: According to the government regulatory authority, 64 people have contacted them to complain about the programme since its launch on Sunday night
![Safety first: Show bosses have clarified in a disclaimer that the series was filmed following strict Covid-19 protocols (pictured: Amber Turner and Dan Edgar)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40632530-9376175-image-a-47_1616070445929.jpg)
Safety first: Show bosses have clarified in a disclaimer that the series was filmed following strict Covid-19 protocols (pictured: Amber Turner and Dan Edgar)
According to a report from The Sun on Thursday, the complaints to Ofcom were made about: ‘Filming in bars, restaurants and gyms during lockdown and food wastage.’
MailOnline has contacted Ofcom for further comment, TOWIE spokespeople declined to comment when approached.
As well as the complaints to Ofcom, some fans also took to Twitter to share their disappointment over the cast filming in bars and restaurants when lockdown is still in place across the UK.
![Outing: During the show, stars were seen at a bar and celebrated a birthday party, and they've also visited each other's houses (pictured: Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40632516-9376175-image-a-46_1616070440547.jpg)
Outing: During the show, stars were seen at a bar and celebrated a birthday party, and they’ve also visited each other’s houses (pictured: Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett)
![For work: The TOWIE disclaimer read: 'Although you may see cast in pubs and restaurants, don¿t worry because they've opened just for the show and have put in lots of extra measures'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40632534-9376175-image-a-48_1616070451321.jpg)
For work: The TOWIE disclaimer read: ‘Although you may see cast in pubs and restaurants, don’t worry because they’ve opened just for the show and have put in lots of extra measures’
One person wrote: ‘Now I know they put a disclaimer out before the episode regarding covid and the show setup but I just found an episode talking about how they have found lockdown…. followed by nightclubs, shopping, restaurants and socialising really tasteless.’
Another added: ‘I’’ so confused as to how the towie cast can like go to the gym and bars etc a swear England is in lockdown?’
One person blasted the show by saying: ‘Okay okay, so #towie is classed as essential work?!
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![Frustrated: As well as the complaints to Ofcom, some fans also took to Twitter to share their disappointment over the cast filming in bars and restaurants when lockdown is still in place](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40632546-9376175-Frustrated_As_well_as_the_complaints_to_Ofcom_some_fans_also_too-a-62_1616070643544.jpg)
Frustrated: As well as the complaints to Ofcom, some fans also took to Twitter to share their disappointment over the cast filming in bars and restaurants when lockdown is still in place
‘Whilst we’ve all been in a lockdown for coming up to almost a year they are allowed to continue filming the trash show and galavanting like we aren’t in a pandemic.’
And one person wrote: ‘#TOWIE is sending my head west.. they’re saying it’s Mother’s Day but they’re at restaurants and bars and seeing friends. Last time I checked, I’m sure the UK was in lockdown?’
One joked: ‘So p****d that TOWIE get a club night but we still gotta wait til lockdown is over.’
![Complaints: According to reports on Thursday, the complaints to Ofcom were made about: 'Filming in bars, restaurants and gyms during lockdown and food wastage'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/18/12/40632726-9376175-image-a-61_1616070615279.jpg)
Complaints: According to reports on Thursday, the complaints to Ofcom were made about: ‘Filming in bars, restaurants and gyms during lockdown and food wastage’