Comedian Mo Gilligan addressed the recent controversy involving Miriam Margolyes and This Morning presenter Andi Peters during the National Television Awards on September 8. While presenting the Factual Entertainment award, Gilligan introduced himself before adding, ‘And if you don’t know me, then I’m Andi Peters.’
The joke referenced Margolyes’ recent appearance on This Morning where she used the term ‘high yella’ to describe Peters’ skin colour. The expression is a historically derogatory American term for a Black person with lighter complexion.
What did aunces make of it? Reactions split sharply on social media. Some viewers found the reference humorous, sharing laughing GIFs and praising Gilligan’s wit. Others felt the joke missed its mark entirely, with one user claiming it ‘fell flat as a pancake.’
Peters, 56, has since addressed the original incident after fellow broadcaster Jeremy Vine praised how he handled Margolyes’ comment. The This Morning star’s measured response to the controversy has drawn widespread attention across British television circles.
Gilligan’s willingness to tackle the sensitive topic at such a high profile event shows how the incident continues to resonate within the entertainment industry weeks after it occurred.
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