List of Love Actually ‘red flags’ sparks debate

Love Actually is one of the most iconic Christmas films of the noughties, but while it might warm our cold, dead hearts, there's no denying that its characters aren't without their flaws.

Now, Jeremy Vine has addressed the characters' many red flags in a segment on his show, The Jeremy Vine Show, that's sparked a fierce debate about the holiday film online.

Vine begins by criticising the number of white characters in the film, before he goes onto point out that while Peter, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is black, 'his best friend is a truly ghastly person' - something he describes as red flag number two.

"This guy is the one who is basically in love with Kira Knightly, who is married," Vine says, before describing the character, Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, as a 'stalker'.

"We're supposed to think it's interesting?" Vine asks. "It's sort of, somehow, I don't know. Exciting or sympathetic?"

Vine then slams the film for its lack of diversity when it comes to the couples it portrays, asking: "Where are the gay characters?"

The Jeremy Vine Show / Channel 5

The outspoken host goes on to address the character of Natalie, played by Martine McCutcheon, pointing out that her weight is a talking point at various points in the film.

"Why the fat shaming?" he asks.

It didn't end there either, and other plot points slammed by Vine included his claim that all the women in the film 'seem to be controlled by men.'

The segment went on to spark a fierce debate on social media between fans of the film and those who agreed that the almost 20-year-old flick hadn't stood the test of time.

One fan slammed Vine, writing: "If you don't like it don't watch it, but millions love this movie, and I'm one of them, especially the ending part at the airport."

A second suggested: "Or maybe a lot of people think it's just a lovely film and love watching it and if you're that triggered by it, don't watch."

"Ridiculous, it's a great film," slammed a third. "So every person who lives with unrequited love is a stalker…. Worlds gone mad [sic]."

Universal Pictures

However, not everyone was against Vine's opinion and some agreed that there was something off about the film.

"Always found this film a bit creepy," remarked a critic. "Don't know why it's so popular??"

Another user, meanwhile, partially agreed with Vine, but said that the film should not be held to modern standards when it comes to certain topics.

They wrote: "Why are you holding a 20 year old film up by today's standards and changes in society?

"Would it be made today? No. If it was then no doubt the white washing, body jokes, straightness etc would be jumped on immediately.

"But it wasn't, so get over yourself."

Whose side are you on?