Gogglebox star Mary Killen criticised for 'racist' impression

Mary and partner Giles on Gogglebox (credit Channel 4)
Mary and partner Giles on Gogglebox (credit Channel 4)

Gogglebox star Mary Killen his facing criticism after an impression of Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s sister Kim Jo-Yong.

Fans questioned the Channel 4 show’s decision to leave the impersonation in the screening, with some viewers branding it racist.

During the programme, which sees regular people watching telly and sharing their views, participants were shown coverage of the North Korean leader's first public appearance following heart surgery.

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After the surgery it was rumoured Jong-Un had died, with this appearance being the first public sighting of him.

Discussing the rumours surrounding his death, Mary said: "I think what will happen is, if he is dead, and this is fake video, then the sister will just need to put things in place for her to take the reigns.”

Mary then did an misjudged impression of Yo-Jong, saying in an exaggerated Korean accent: “Oh great leader, he die.”

Giles, responded: "That's a very good imitation, Mary. I'm not sure how PC it is, but that is an excellent imitation."

Many fans agreed with Giles wasn’t very politically correct, and some viewers aired their thoughts on social media.

One tweeted: “Oh Mary. wow. just caught the end of #gogglebox. not sure mary's impression of kim yo-jong should have been left in.”

Another wrote: “Mary with that unPC kim jong un sister impression wow #gogglebox”

Someone else said: “Anyone catch Mary’s shocking racist impression on #Gogglebox tonight???”

At the end of last night’s show, tribute was paid to popular former cast member June Bernicoff, who died at the age of 82 on Tuesday.

The simple tribute read: “In loving memory June Bernicoff. 1937-2020.”

June and late husband Leon were one of the show’s original couples from when it started back in 2013.

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The statement from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert read:: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox's much-loved June Bernicoff passed away at the age of 82 on May 5 at home with her family by her side after a short illness.

“As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme's success.

“Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series.”