Viewers have slammed The One Show’s bikini versus burkini debate as “ridiculous” after two models flaunted the swimwear in a busy shopping mall.
The BBC teatime show ran a segment putting the spotlight on which beachwear item - the full-length suit or skimpy two-piece - made women feel the most free.
This week UK retail chain House of Fraser revealed its new range of burkini with a removable hijab while the full-length swimwear will also be stocked in Marks & Spencer.
The waterproof outfits have been designed to comply with Muslim women’s dress code of modesty though have sparked fierce online debate with those on the HotDeals forum branding the one-piece as something which “oppresses” women.
To gain reaction from the public a presenter was joined in a busy Bradford retail centre by models donning a blue cover-up and a hot pink zig-zag bikini.
After being quizzed on the items one shopper said: “You can’t go on a beach like that - you’re fully covered.
“You’re not going to get a sun-tan.”
Another said: “It’s a good thing - it opens up the market for a lot of other cultures and if you’re not confident getting your body out.”
Meanwhile a Muslim shopper, who stressed it was important to her religion to cover-up on the sand, said: “It’s not just for Muslims.
“Anyone who is not confident in a bikini can go for a burkini.”
Her pal added: “Both are freedom.
“They shouldn’t judge on what someone wears, it’s about what their actions are.”
Though after watching the discussions Twitter users came out to slam the BBC programme’s take on the debate.
User Aidan wrote: “Did the One Show really just go round asking loaded questions about the burkini?
“Media in this country are embarrassing.”
Meanwhile Jane Oriel shared her views and posted: “What a ridiculous feature on The One Show.
“Putting that bikini girl in a shopping centre screwed up the debate.”
Sarah posted a GIF of actor Steve Carrell looking nonplussed with the caption: “The One Show are doing a segment on the burkini and bikinis.They’re asking which outfit women feel more free in.”
Kim wrote a lengthy post which read: “I honestly cannot believe the one show tonight Bikini or burkini.... wft?”
He added: “I honestly couldn’t believe what I was watching.”
Presenters Alex Jones and Matt Baker then took a light-hearted approach.
The cute Welsh host quipped: “I would love to see you in a bikini,” to which he replied: “Later love.”