Toy show rapped for ‘gender stereotypes’

LATE LATE SHOW host Pat Kenny has fallen foul of equality watchdogs for stereotyping children during the programme’s annual toy show.

Researchers who studied the hugely popular pre-Christmas programme — watched by more than 1.3 million viewers — said Mr Kenny’s comments about certain toys helped drive a wedge between boys and girls and served to “undermine the objective of promoting gender equality”.

“The main presenter persistently reinforced stereotypes of gender in his short introductions and comments on the products shown,” the researchers said.