Pussycat Dolls ‘censored’ during racy TV performance

Hundreds complained the last time the Pussycat Dolls performed on TV – their racy return was an “up yours” to those who were offended.

The Pussycat Dolls copped some live “censorship” during their latest racy TV performance, courtesy of UK TV hosts Ant and Dec.

The group, who reunited after 10 years apart late last year, caused a stir when a December performance on The X Factor drew 419 viewer complaints to the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom.

The Dolls’ efforts were slammed as “borderline porn” by some and inappropriate for a family timeslot.

“Highly inappropriate content for this time of the evening. Pussycat Dolls look like they belong in a strip club, not for prime time family viewing,” complained one viewer.

The Pussycat Dolls perform …

… before Ant and Dec cover them up.

Returning to TV for another performance during the latest episode of Saturday Night Takeaway, the band and hosts poked fun at that backlash, with Ant and Dec scrambling to cover the Dolls as they performed.

The hosts used signs, a “CENSORED” button and even their own clothes to cover the group up as they performed a medley of their biggest hits. Take a look:

By the end of the performance, Ant and Dec had stripped down to their undies in an attempt to get the group covered. Lead singer Nicole Scherzinger quipped the hosts’ outfits weren’t very “family-friendly”.

Ant and Dec cover the Dolls.

Fans seemed to enjoy a performance that read as an “up yours” to all those who’d complained last time:

Mumsnet right now on the ofcom website ready to complain about the Pussycat Dolls #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/e7aTu81oGf

— b (@bdly25) February 22, 2020

Pussycat Dolls performance on #SaturdayNightTakeaway hell yasss!!! Loved it! pic.twitter.com/SlpXwinclL

— Kerry-Ann (@KerryAnn93) February 22, 2020

That was such an “up yours” to everyone who complained about the Pussycat Dolls last time they performed on TV, loved it 😂 #SaturdayNightTakeaway

— Chloe (@chloatko) February 22, 2020

The pussycat dolls are still absolutely smoking aren’t they! Wow 🔥🔥🔥 #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/lKhvPFnves

— Laura - StyleBuzz UK (@Laura_StyleBuzz) February 22, 2020

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS AKFJAJDBAHEHWBS and their 100% ‘family friendly’ performance #saturdaynighttakeaway

— mimi ♡ (@ashleyrobcrts) February 22, 2020

The Pussycat Dolls performance will be full off Ofcom complaints jealous do gooders who complain about everything as per they look unreal😍😍 and that dancing WOW #SaturdayNightTakeaway

— Cammy👀 (@cameron15xo) February 22, 2020

Love how Ant and Dec are taking the piss out of those who say the pussycat dolls performances are inappropriate 😂😂 #SaturdayNightTakeaway

— Gemma D 🎢✨ (@Gemma_Disney_5) February 22, 2020

Actually crying at @antanddec trying to cover up the Pussycat Dolls #SaturdayNightTakeaway

— Dave (@DavidMackayyy) February 22, 2020

Middle aged women on the phone to Ofcom to complain about what the Pussycat Dolls were wearing after their performance #SaturdayNightTakeaway pic.twitter.com/nqB323apym

— JD (@Jonny_Dodds) February 22, 2020

The reunited girl band – Scherzinger, 41, Ashley Roberts, 38, Kimberly Wyatt, 37, Carmit Bachar, 45, and Jessica Sutta, 37 (former member Melody Thornton has not returned to the group) – dropped the spectacular music video for their comeback single, React earlier this month.

Returning member Wyatt told Hunger magazine this month of their comeback, which involves a world tour: “I’m just so grateful that this is actually happening because it’s been years in the making.

“It feels powerful, it feels exciting, there’s a real determination to battle our unfinished business and create the best work that we ever have.”

The Pussycat Dolls will perform alongside fellow pop acts Steps, Jesse McCartney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Samantha Mumba and more at the So Pop festival, touring Australia nationally in April.