GOOD Morning Britain fans faced a very different wake-up call on Monday as fan-favourite host Ed Balls was replaced.
The former Labour politician, 57, had been switched out of the ITV presenting line-up after co-star Susanna Reid bid “goodbye” to the daytime series last week.
Instead, Richard Madeley, 68, fronted Good Morning Britain alongside Kate Garraway, 57, as the pair got stuck into the de-brief of England’s loss against Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Footie fans were left heartbroken after the Three Lions became the first team to ever lose back-to-back Euros final matches, with the eventual scoreline 2-1 to their opponents.
It marked the first time Richard had fronted the three-hour show since taking an early summer break.
He was last seen on-screen back in May, during a controversial segment about XL bully dogs which attracted a slew of Ofcom complaints.
Meanwhile, during the same week, the former This Morning anchor was called out for a bizarre moment which almost saw him “jump on” popstar Kerry Katona.
Fans were quick to comment on the line-up change – and appeared left divided.
One fan was quick to write: “Love them but I prefer when @richardm56 is with Charlotte cause he and Charlotte both have great partnership when it comes to presenting together.
“Richard is best daytime professional experienced presenter on there on @GMB.”
A second put: “So great to see have Richard back in gmb studio,” as a third gushed: “I love these two.”
One then put: “Hooray Richard is back.”
Another added: “Delighted to see you back Richard thank heavens.”
Yet others were less than impressed, with one writing: “No! Not Richard bring back Ed!”
Another added: “Bring back Ed or Adil!”
They were referring to GMB stand-in host Adil Ray, who starred on the show on Friday.
He congratulated Jacqui Smith as the panellist appeared on the show for the last time before she was appointed higher education minister by new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Ex Home Secretary Jacqui is no longer an MP, but like David Cameron in the previous government, will be made a life peer to allow her to take up the cabinet position.
Meanwhile, GMB anchor Susanna stunned fans as she bid farewell to the early-morning series last week.
The mum of three told viewers “I’m going to say goodbye to you,” as the three-hour episode wrapped.
She is headed on her summer break – and then confirmed she will be back on-screen in September.
The former BBC Breakfast anchor said: “It’s now time for me to go off on a break.
“Which means I get to say goodbye to you at home.”
She continued: “You never know, I might pop up in the meantime.
“But otherwise I will see you back in September.”
Her co-presenter Ed Balls, 57, interjected: “Do you have to?
“Can’t you just stay a bit?”
And she did make a cameo on Friday’s show – sparking a line-up change – as she presented live from Berlin.
Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively reported how she has sparked a “civil war” at the channel after complaining fellow ITV daytime show This Morning was getting the bigger guests.
