Ashley Banjo Defends Rufus Hound Over Comedian's Government Jibe On Dancing On Ice

"Of course he is allowed to say it. That is his prerogative," the DOI judge has said.
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Ashley Banjo has defended Rufus Hound from criticism after the Dancing On Ice contestant sparked Ofcom complaints with his on-air comments about the government.

On Sunday’s launch episode of the ITV skating show, the comedian took aim at Boris Johnson and his government over their handling of free school meals.

The TV watchdog has since confirmed it has received over 300 complaints about the episode, with the majority of these about Rufus’ comments.

Rufus Hound on the ice during Sunday night's live show
Rufus Hound on the ice during Sunday night's live show
Matt Frost/ITV/Shutterstock

Ashley, who sits on the Dancing On Ice panel, said it was β€œabsolutely appropriate” that Rufus was able to say what he wanted.

He said (via the PA news agency): β€œI have said this before. He is a comedian. He is an intelligent, emotional man who takes cues from the real world around him to formulate an opinion. That’s what we all do.

β€œAnd he said something in response, which was the way he felt. Of course he is allowed to say it. That is his prerogative.

β€œIf people agree, don’t agree... the idea that people aren’t allowed to express their opinion because the show is an in brackets a β€˜family show’ I think is nonsense.

β€œI think what people are saying is, β€˜It’s a family show and they only want opinions on the telly that they agree with’. That is a different thing.”

Ashley Banjo is one of the judges on Dancing On Ice
Ashley Banjo is one of the judges on Dancing On Ice
Matt Frost/ITV/Shutterstock

In the first live show of the series, the comedian found out that he’d received a β€œgolden ticket” from the judges, securing him a spot in the next round of the competition without him having to face the public vote.

Reacting to the award, Rufus told presenter Phillip Schofield: β€œMate, we live in a world where people we elect don’t want to feed hungry children. This is the least mad thing that has happened to me in a long time.”

After the show aired, Rufus tweeted: β€œTo the people who want to be cross with me - you were never going to be my friend. I wish it were different, but such is the world we now live in.

β€œTo everyone else, thanks for all your lovely messages. I will try to keep doing funny ice dances for you.”

To the people who want to be cross with me - you were never going to be my friend. I wish it were different, but such is the world we now live in.
To everyone else, thanks for all your lovely messages. I will try to keep doing funny ice dances for you x

β€” Rufus Hound πŸ’™ (@RufusHound) January 17, 2021

When journalist Danny Wallace responded with a supportive message, Rufus then responded: β€œIt seems mental that the fact this government whipped its members to vote against feeding hungry children is necessarily party political.

β€œBut, 2021 man. What a ride.”

Right?!

It seems mental that the fact this government whipped its members to vote against feeding hungry children is necessarily party political.

But, 2021 man.

What a ride 🀷🏼

β€” Rufus Hound πŸ’™ (@RufusHound) January 17, 2021

Ofcom are currently assessing the complaints they have received before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation, as is standard procedure.

Dancing On Ice continues on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.

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