A seemingly lighthearted moment on a popular spin-off show quickly turned serious for comedian Joel Dommett, prompting a sincere apology. During a recent broadcast, Dommett made a joke referencing “shanking” – a term deeply connected to the grim reality of knife crime – and immediately faced a sharp rebuke from co-hosts Ant and Dec.
The question of whether the joke was “OK to say on telly?” hung in the air, immediately signaling the gravity of the situation. Dommett swiftly acknowledged his misstep, offering an on-air apology, but the incident sparked wider concern and a subsequent, more formal statement.
Dommett later released a statement expressing his regret to anyone offended by the language used. He emphasized the joke wasn’t pre-written and that he would never intentionally minimize the seriousness of knife crime, a growing crisis in England and Wales where offenses involving sharp instruments number around 53,000 annually.
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 19.00 Monday 10 November 2025 From Lifted Entertainment I?m A Celebrity? Unpacked! SR2 on ITV2 and ITVX Pictured: Kemi Rogers and Joel Dommett. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SEI_273826536-826e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
ITV also issued an apology, acknowledging the unfortunate choice of words and reiterating Dommett’s immediate remorse. The incident served as a stark reminder of the sensitivity surrounding the issue, and how easily language can unintentionally inflict pain.
The Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity dedicated to educating young people about the dangers of knife crime, weighed in on the situation. Their CEO, Patrick Green, acknowledged Dommett’s likely lack of malicious intent, but highlighted a troubling trend: knife crime has become so prevalent it’s seeped into everyday conversation, normalizing something that should be vehemently opposed.
This wasn’t the only apology Dommett offered this week. During a live segment on Friday’s episode, a critter encounter led to an involuntary exclamation, prompting another quick apology to viewers for his language.
Dommett, known for his hosting role on “The Masked Singer” and his own experience as a runner-up on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” in 2016, continues to host the spin-off show alongside Kemi Rodgers. The incident underscores the responsibility that comes with a public platform and the importance of mindful communication.
