Kate Garraway Returns to Good Morning Britain Amid Viewer Backlash
Kate Garraway made her return to Good Morning Britain on Monday morning, August 5, joining co-host Ed Balls. The 57-year-old presenter had sparked concern among viewers due to her prolonged absence from the popular ITV program. On Friday, August 2, GMB was hosted by Rob Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins, with Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls filling in for most of the week.
Garraway had been absent since last month due to her father’s ill health, but she resumed her duties on Monday, kicking off a new week on the show, told Birmingham Live. During the broadcast, Garraway and Balls discussed the recent demonstrations organized by far-right groups that had escalated into riots in various UK towns and cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast. The unrest saw missiles thrown, shops targeted, and police attacked in some areas.
To delve deeper into the incident, the hosts welcomed Andrew Pierce, consultant editor at the Daily Mail, and MP Zara Sultana for their insights. However, the discussion led to significant viewer backlash, with some accusing Garraway of defending those who organized the attacks. One viewer fumed, “I’m disgusted by how they’re dog-piling this girl when she’s defending a community under ATTACK! They’re literally arguing with her about calling these rioters Islamophobic for 10 minutes. Ed and Kate are clearly defending these racists.”
Another viewer wrote, “#GMB Kate worrying about future revenue streams from Mail. How quick she is to defend the rag.” A third claimed, “ITV’s GMB… GARAWAY & BALLS sounding more & more like they’re on the side of the rioters.” A supporter of Zara Sultana shared, “Good on that young woman for calling out the British mainstream media. Kate Garraway and Andrew Pierce act like they’re sweet and innocent.”
Another angry viewer said, “Have just seen a clip of Zara Sultana MP, invited on to discuss the recent far-right riots. I was astonished and disgusted by the way both presenters, Balls, and Garraway, repeatedly interrupted and spoke over her. Utterly disgusting and highly disrespectful.”
The backlash highlights the sensitive nature of the topics discussed and the strong reactions from viewers when they feel that media figures are not addressing these issues appropriately. Garraway’s return, meant to be a moment of relief for concerned fans, has instead stirred controversy and debate.