2 weeks Ago By Ella Scott
Good Morning Britain viewers have praised stand-in presenters Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins after their surprise appearance on Monday’s show (October 28). The pair failed to acknowledge the absence of regular anchors Richard Madeley and co-host Susanna Reid on the latest edition of the early morning TV programme. GMB’s resident entertainment reporter Richard Arnold revealed last week that Susanna, 53, was due to take a brief hiatus from presenting duties.
During a segment broadcast on Thursday (October 24), the 54-year-old stated that the mum-of-three would be absent. "Alright Dickie, tell us, what have you got?", Richard, 68 said at the time. "Oh a bit of Tom Hardy which is no bad news as I send you off which is why I'm on at the end of the show to make sure you actually leave,” replied the showbiz star.
It was not previously revealed who would step into Susanna and Richard’s shoes. But on Monday, Charlotte, 49, took to social media to announce she would be joined by Ed, 57, in the GMB studios this morning. “Morning! Come & join us from 6am on @GMB (hopefully you’ve adjusted your clocks by now,” the newsreader wrote to her 245,100 X followers.
Despite being drafted in as replacements, neither Charlotte nor Ed referenced their position on the show. Instead, the Chichester-born journalist briefly introduced herself and her co-star before launching into today’s headlines, which included Labour MP Mike Amesbury being suspended from the party after CCTV footage appeared to show him punching a man in the street was released. During the latest episode, fans were quick to praise both for their efforts, with one GMB viewer writing: “Bonus Monday waking up to Charlotte Hawkins on GMB.
Have a good week Charlotte but god knows what's going to happen Wednesday I fear the worse.” “Best two,” remarked a second user, while a third commented: “Charlotte Hawkins & Eds Ball doing GMB Monday!!!!,” followed by a string of smiling face emojis. “@GMB thank goodness you've got @edballs Ed Balls on this morning, I always switch off when I see @richardm56,” reported another user.
A fifth praised Ed for his interviewing skills, writing: “Ed giving it large right now.” According to The Daily Mail , Charlotte is likely to continue fronting GMB this week in Susanna’s absence while Kate Garraway , 57, will take over duties on Friday. Susanna and Richard are expected to return to the helm of GMB next week.
Tune into Good Morning Britain every weekday on ITV and ITVX from 6am..
