The Paul O'Grady show under investigation after presenter inhales helium
The comedian breathed in helium before the watershed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul O'Grady's chat show is being investigated by the broadcasting watchdog, after the presenter inhaled helium on the programme.
Ofcom are looking into the incident which saw the comedian breath in the gas on ITV's The Paul O'Grady Show before the watershed last month.
While inhaling helium is often used as a party trick, it can prove fatal as it can cut off oxygen in the body, damage a person's lungs, and cause gas bubbles to form in the bloodstream, according to Mail Online.
An Ofcom spokesman said: "Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether it was harmful for the presenter to demonstrate inhaling helium gas during this live pre-watershed show."
Earlier this year,The Queen actress Dame Helen Mirren took a similar risk by inhaling helium on Jimmy Fallon's popular US programme The Tonight Show.
"I haven't done this since I was about 11. This is the rude bit - suck in - ooh," the actress told the audience.
In February, a Japanese broadcaster was forced to apologise to the family of a 12-year-old member of girl group 3B Junior, after she was who was put in a coma after inhaling helium for the TV show.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments