There’s something just not quite right about watching Bill Nighy compete for the Christmas Number One in the middle of a July heatwave.
But despite this, beloved festive movie Love Actually was shown on ITV on Thursday night. A maverick decision.
Some were not pleased to see Hugh Grant and his gyrating hips on their screens any time before December…
As much as I love, Love Actually and I do love it…I DON'T WANT TO SEE IT ON MY TV IN JULY. IT IS A CHRISTMAS FILM #LoveActually @itv2 🎅👎
— Ashleigh Wilson (@Ashleighw13) July 21, 2016
#LoveActually being on when it's too hot to sleep just feels weird…save it for Xmas lol roll on Christmas
— Charley Louise (@charley89louise) July 21, 2016
Watching love actually in July doesn't feel right. Going to have Christmas songs in my head all night now #loveactually #ChristmasInJuly
— Amie Stewart (@Amie_Stewart91) July 21, 2016
Fortunately, the broadcaster just could not care less.
To all the haters who don't like Christmas films in July.#LoveActually pic.twitter.com/GyQkkQWaPV
— ITV2 (@itv2) July 21, 2016
☀️ It's been 34° this week. 157 days til Xmas though! Let's celebrate! ⛄️ 🎁 🎄 #LoveActually. Tonight, 9pm @itv2 pic.twitter.com/B4oJ0sNi7Y
— ITV2 (@itv2) July 21, 2016
The movie replaced The Dark Knight on the ITV2 schedule last week in the aftermath of the Nice lorry attack, with the channel opting to show a less violent film with the message “love is all around”.
Hi guys. Due to recent events we are screening Love Actually tonight.
The Dark Knight will be shown at a later date pic.twitter.com/n84UIzB0R3
— ITV2 (@itv2) July 15, 2016
The Batman movie features a scene where a lorry hurtles down a street.
But a week later… ITV decided to do it all again, bringing Love Actually back for a second go.
Luckily, some applauded the decision to show it:
Why am I watching #LoveActually in July? Probably because it's the best film EVER!
— KatrinaElιzabethx (@katrinaobrienx) July 21, 2016
Don't even care if love actually is a Christmas film I still find it acceptable to watch through out the year
— bethany (@BethhBailey) July 21, 2016
The premiere of Love Actually in 2003 (Ian West/PA)
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