Andi Peters has spoken out after Miriam Margolyes sparked a racism row during an uncomfortable live interview on ITV’s This Morning, saying television presenters have to be “ready for anything”.
The presenter was questioned about his background and skin tone during the exchange, after Margolyes incorrectly suggested that he had “a black daddy and a white mummy”. Peters corrected her, explaining that both of his parents are black.
Margolyes then used the term “high yalla” to describe Peters’ complexion, explaining that it was an American expression for someone who was “not deeply black”. The phrase is an offensive historical term used to refer to a black person with a light complexion.
Peters attempted to keep the interview moving with humour, asking whether his make-up artist had used “a lighter shade than normal”. But as Margolyes continued, he appeared to receive instructions through his earpiece from producers.
“They’re getting nervous now. They’re getting nervous now,” Peters told her on air.
Margolyes replied: “Don’t be nervous, we welcome everybody,” before linking her comments to her book, Miriam’s Full English: A Grand Tour of All Our Best Bits, which examines questions around Britain, identity and inclusion.
The exchange was later removed from the version of the interview available on ITVX. The incident prompted criticism from viewers online, with some describing the conversation as uncomfortable and accusing Margolyes of making racist remarks.
Peters has since reflected on the demands of live broadcasting, saying he has to be prepared for unexpected moments while presenting. His friend and fellow journalist Jeremy Vine also reacted to the incident, praising Peters’ professionalism as he managed the interview on air.
Despite the intervention from production staff, Peters maintained a composed manner and brought the conversation to a close by returning to the subject of Margolyes’ book.
Neither ITV nor Margolyes’ representatives have publicly commented on the removal of the exchange or the criticism surrounding it.
