BBC1's The One Show

We were hoping that this would be a wonderful opportunity to promote issues around coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. . Coeliac UK was involved in the production of the video interview of Tony Hart, a Coeliac UK Member, and worked with the production team to ensure they were fully briefed about coeliac disease. 

In the final piece, however, we feel that the show missed an opportunity. The message that coeliac disease is a serious auto-immune condition caused by an intoleranceFood intolerance is generally not life threatening but affects digestion, including symptoms of digestive discomfort, diarrhoea and bloating. Coeliac disease is not an intolerance to gluten. got missed in the discussions about whether tolerances in general were real or a lifestyle choice. So while the interview with Tony Hart gave an informed message and the presenters acknowledged the seriousness of his condition, the live broadcast discussion became confused. 

Obviously it is important that we try and achieve primetime coverage of the issues that matter to you and it is sad when an opportunity is missed. We have since spoken to the One Show who wished to highlight that the programme was intended to be a lifestyle feature looking at the influence of celebrity culture and the increased number of food allergies, and not a medical programme. They have now improved the information on the show's website and we hope that a bigger feature later in the year might be possible.

In the mean time, viewer pressure will really help us to bolster our argument. You can help us by voicing your views and letting the One Show know about the difficulties you face as a result of people assuming your medical diet is nothing more than a faddy diet.