On The Beach says TV comic Paddy McGuinness has had to set the record straight after the OTA was “inundated” with complaints about his voiceover for its latest adverts.
In the company’s TV and radio ads, McGuinness’ voice can be heard stating that families featured are ‘booking geniuses’.
The ad focuses on a family who are enjoying the perks that come with booking with On the Beach, including free lounge access.
On The Beach said consumers had complained to both the company and to McGuiness directly that they thought the presenter swore and said ‘f’ing geniuses’. A spokeswoman said his accent appeared to have caused “some confusion”.
The Advertising Standards Authority told Travel Weekly it had received 146 complaints about the ads. The complaints are being reviewed by the ASA but there is no current investigation.
As a result of the confusion, McGuinness has posted a comment on his Instagram account to clarify his voiceover.
He said: “A lot of people have been contacting me on social media saying we have seen your advert with On The Beach, are you swearing? Just to clear this up, it is ‘booking geniuses’ not ‘f-ing’ geniuses.”
He finishes his social media post by adding: “Booking geniuses, not the other one, now book off and enjoy your Sunday.”
The company has also had complaints about the theme tune, Andy Williams’ Christmas classic ‘The Most Wonderful Time of Year’, which has been used for the last two years.
It said complaints on social media and via email saying the company’s use of the soundtrack had “ruined the song” and urging On The Beach to switch to Madonna or Cliff Richard instead.