This Morning received a fresh wave of complaints to Ofcom after Rylan Clark delivered a speech on immigration and migrants while filling in for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. Rylan emotionally shared how immigrants, including nurses and doctors, had saved his mother’s life, emphasizing the positive impact they have in the UK. He criticized the ease with which migrants are perceived to be welcomed into the country, contrasting it with the struggles faced by long-term residents, including homelessness.
The segment sparked controversy, leading to an additional 137 complaints, bringing the total number of complaints to 702. The Mirror later fact-checked Rylan’s statements, clarifying that new arrivals do not receive iPads or phones from the Home Office, and while some asylum seekers are accommodated in four-star hotels, they only receive basic support as they await processing of their claims. Asylum seekers are legally prohibited from working and receive a modest allowance for necessities.