Good Morning Britain viewers were split in their opinions after the ITV programme introduced a significant change on Tuesday.
In an unusual move, main hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls took the broadcast over to Washington, leaving usual anchors Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway back in the studio with newsreader Ranvir Singh.
The episode’s content was heavily centred on the upcoming US elections, leaving audiences surprised and somewhat baffled by the inclusion of weather updates from the States. One viewer expressed their disinterest on social media, commenting: “Like we’re interested in American weather . #GMB,” while another echoed the sentiment, posting: “We do not need USA weather ….jeez #GMB.”
The decision for Susanna and Ed to cross the pond also raised questions among fans, reports the Mirror.
A puzzled viewer remarked: “There’s not even one thing that they will be to say or to demonstrate in Washington that couldn’t have been done better in GMB’s London studio.” Another added: “Are we watching Good Morning Britain or Good Morning America?”
At yesterday’s show closing, the duo confirmed their immediate departure for the States.
Ed mentioned on air: “Susanna, grab your bags; we’re about to go.” Encouraging viewers to stay tuned, Susanna added: “Tune into Good Morning Britain tomorrow live from Washington.”
Susanna, long-time host of Good Morning Britain, confirmed to Radio Times her plans for the upcoming US election coverage. She explained, “Ed Balls and I are flying straight out to Washington, DC, after hosting Good Morning Britain on Monday, 4 November. We’ll be soaking up the atmosphere.
“Then we’ll be on the ground, presenting the election results programme on the Wednesday morning.”
Having been a fixture on the programme for many years, originally sharing the screen with Piers Morgan, Susanna has seen various co-hosts since his departure. Ed Balls and Richard Madeley have joined her to helm the popular morning show, with Kate Garraway also frequently anchoring or reporting the news, a role filled by Ranvir Singh today.
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.