ITV This Morning star sparks outrage after 'mocking the Bible' with 'offensive' Easter message: 'Unnecessary!'

Alex Davies
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:02:03 +0000

Ashley James has sparked a rather heated debate among her social media followers after posting a Bible verse on Instagram during her solo trip to Mexico.

The 39-year-old mother-of-two shared a video while wearing a bikini in Tulum, reading aloud Psalm 116:11 to her followers.

"Hi, everyone. Happy Easter. I thought I would celebrate today with a favourite reading from the Bible," she began.

As she then read from the holy book, she commented: "So this is Psalm 116, verse 11... I said in my haste. All men are liars. Thank you."

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Ms James signed off with a chuckle as she snapped the Bible shut.

The post quickly attracted backlash, with viewers accusing her of spreading misinformation and disrespecting the faith on what many consider the most sacred day in the Christian calendar.

"Posting this on Easter Sunday is offensive, and I’m no snowflake. Step away from your phone and tripod and enjoy your time alone," one Instagram user fumed.

A second fan weighed in: "Hi Ashley, I love Insta stories and your book, but found this particular post unnecessary on Easter Sunday."

"Do you really believe you respect all faiths when on the most religious day of the year for Christians, you decide to post a joke based on the bible," a third quizzed.

While a fourth criticised: "May as well rebrand as Ashley TikyToky the level of rage baiting for clicks and money making. The lack of authenticity is astounding. Mocking your child’s interest in religion twice in one week and now mocking religion more broadly, just wow." (sic)

In wake of the backlash, Ms James attempted to clarify that her reading was intended as a playful jab rather than a genuine attack on faith.

"Obviously this is a joke. I respect all faiths: Faith is beautiful," she wrote, before explaining her true target.

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A post shared by Ashley James (@ashleylouisejames)

The reality star took aim at what she described as the weaponisation of Christianity for political purposes, specifically criticising recent Easter messaging from the White House.

She highlighted comments from Paula White-Cain comparing Donald Trump to Jesus, claiming he had been "betrayed", "arrested", and "falsely accused".

However, the reception to Ms James's post wasn't unanimously negative as several high-profile figures rallied behind the broadcaster.

Carol Vorderman responded with laughing emojis, whilst fellow former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh shared praising hand emojis in support.

Ms Vorderman's decision to throw her backing behind Ms James came as she too found herself at the centre of controversy for her Easter Sunday social media antics.

The former Countdown star took a break from her Easter celebrations to mock Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, following the release of new polls which showed a slight dip in the party's popularity.

Ms Vorderman said in her Instagram clip: "Happy Easter, you beautiful people. The Easter Bunny has arrived with some good news because Nigel Farage, the lying charlatan whom we know and loathe, is going down, down, down in the latest polls."

After delving into the details of the relevant polls, Ms Vorderman signed off with a barbed message. "Such a tough week for Nigel. Happy Easter, bunnies. Reform are on their way out," she concluded.

Some of Ms Vorderman's followers praised the 65-year-old for her attack against Reform UK, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski.

However, GB News presenter Alex Armstrong was one of many who criticised the presenter for the timing of her outburst.

"Imagine this being your Easter Sunday message to your followers," Alex penned on X. "Carol Vorderman seemingly has a very unhealthy obsession with Nigel Farage…"

Others agreed, with Ms Vorderman's message being branded "hostile" and "desperate" by critics.