This Morning viewers were left cringing as they tuned into the ITV programme on Monday morning when host Ben Shephard engaged in a rather awkward hugging session with a professional cuddler.

Anikó Rose charges strangers up to £75-per-hour to overcome stress with hugs. Professional cuddler Anikó has been doing it for over three years and speaking to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben, the 42-year-old says that the “act of touch” can help those struggling with their mental health – including stress, loneliness and trauma.

According to Anikó, a cuddle can help release feel-good hormones which allows the nervous system to calm down. The “happy hormone” that the snuggle expert is referring to is oxytocin – which is often called the “love drug” as it triggers feelings of love and protection. During her appearance on This Morning, the professional tested out her highly sought after hugs with Ben – as viewers couldn’t help but cringe at home.

Professional cuddler Anikó Rose joined This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard
Professional cuddler Anikó Rose joined This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard ( 

Image:

ITV)

Even Ben’s co-host Cat couldn’t hide her awkwardness as she threw some looks down the camera lens as Anikó and Ben fell into a deeper hug on the sofa after testing out a standing hug as Anikó proved why men fork out a whopping £75 for one hour with her. The professional closed her eyes and sunk into Ben’s shoulder as she got deeper into the hug.

“This is one of the most awkward things I’ve ever watched on TV – and morning TV at that. How sad do you have to be to pay for a hug omg,” one viewer complained. “OMG this is painful to watch,” another echoed. “Not me turning on This Morning and Ben wrapped around some strange woman,” someone else joked.

“Cat couldn’t look more uncomfortable if she tried,” another viewer Tweeted. While someone else complained: “Gosh, it must have really been a slow news day for these guys. Filling up slots with a professional hugger? What.”

ITV viewers were left freaked out
ITV viewers were left freaked out ( 

Image:

ITV)

Anikó, who lives in Manchester, also says that a cuddle session simulates dopamine and serotonin which is scientifically proven to lower levels of stress.

She said: “It’s a very rewarding job – that’s why I do it. Touch has a soothing effect whether it’s through a hug or holding hands. Because of this calming effect, touch can also lower your heart rate, and blood pressure, lessen depression and anxiety, and relieve pain.”

Although it may seem like a controversial form of therapy, Anikó insists the private cuddle sessions are non-sexual. Professionals undergo training to get a qualification and there is a strict code of conduct that both the client and therapist must abide by.

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