Duffy Diet Coke Advert Cleared

A television advert which featured Duffy riding a bicycle without a helmet has been cleared for broadcast by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Duffy was undoubtedly one of the biggest breakthrough stars of last year. The Welsh singer released her debut single 'Mercy' just over a year ago, with the song going on to become one of the defining hits of the year.

A slinking soulful beat buoyed a vocal that belied her youth. When debut album 'Rockferry' dropped just a month later a star was born, with Duffy going on to become one of the best selling artists of year.

Of course, there are those who reckon that Duffy is just a little too slick for comfort. Non-album single 'Rain On Your Parade' didn't help matters, with its soul shimmy feeling a tad contrived against the effortless 'Rockferry' collection.

However Diet Coke are obviously fans, and recruited the singer for a new television advert. The singer appears on a bicycle, but controversially is not wearing a helmet. Furthermore, Duffy's bike doesn't have lights or reflective clothing.

Beginning in a supermarket the singer rides out into the street, which in the real world would be against the law. Over twenty complaints were received against the advert, with some arguing that it was in breach of health and safety laws and could have been copied by children.

The advert was pulled while the Advertising Standards Association investigated the claims. In response, Coca Cola argued that Duffy was wearing a sequinned top which reflected light and added that the bike did in fact have lights.

The Guardian reports that the drinks firm claimed it had carried out a "vigorous" assessment of highway code regulations.

The Advertising Standards Association has found in favour of Coca Cola, with the authority stating that the advert was clearly "unreal and fantastical" and was unlikely to be watched by children.

The advert will now be shown again on British television. The clip was first shown during the Brit Awards earlier this year, which saw Duffy dominate. Leaving the ceremony carrying a clutch of trophies, she was clearly overwhelmed by the occasion.

Duffy is set to begin work on her second album shortly.