GOOD Morning Britain viewers have threatened to “switch off” the show after Ed Balls returned to present today.
The former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer joined Susanna Reid on the ITV morning stalwart – but his appearance didn’t go down too well, with some viewers calling it “awkward” and “boring”.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “@edballs on GMB is making this Monday morning a million times worse! So painful and awkward to watch.. Taxi for Ed please!!”
“Lasted less than a minute #edballs is not a presenter, he’s awful. Please get a regular, qualified person. Do better,” a second fumed.
A third wrote: “If I scoured the endless lists of dubious ‘celebs’ and politicians, I couldn’t find a more boring presenter than Ed Balls, well done GMB, yet another switch off!”
“@GMB please please why boring Ed Balls,” another viewer penned.
Despite some viewers’ distain for Balls’ return, other GMB fans were pleased to see him return and praised ITV for the decision.
One wrote: “So happy to see the lovely Mr @edballs back, he has such a great, happy, measured presence.”
“Welcome back @edballs always enjoy you on @GMB,” another commented.
A third posted: “Loving Ed Balls. Not so much because he’s Ed Balls, more because he’s NOT Cringard Madely.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ed is among several guest presenters who have been filling in for Piers Morgan since his departure from the show last year. Piers has since been signed up to News UK’s TalkTV and is a columnist for The Sun.
Earlier in the programme, Ranvir Singh read out several compliments the show had received about Ed’s return.
In light of the adoration, the former politician joked: “I’m glad all the people I emailed yesterday have got the tweets in on time!”
“It is brilliant to have you back and clearly the viewers agree,” co-host Susanna Reid said.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
