ITV Good Morning Britain debate sparks uproar as guest tells Ed Balls 'get a grip'

A Good Morning Britain debate sparked uproar on Monday as a guest told Ed Balls to "get a grip".

During the latest edition of the hit ITV programme on September 8, Ed and his co-host Susanna Reid updated viewers on the biggest news stories from across the UK and around the world.

Laura Tobin delivered regular weather forecasts, while Ranvir Singh was on hand to present the rest of the day's news.

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Later in the show, Ed and Susanna were joined in the studio by Deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice.

During the interview, the hosts asked Richard about Nigel Farage's property in Clacton, after the Reform UK leader said he should not have claimed he was the buyer of a home that was really bought by his partner when questioned over his tax affairs.

Ed then shared his frustration over a medic who was invited to the Reform conference after they claimed that the King's cancer was linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.

"I think your strategy, the one you want, is to persuade sensible Conservatives, who think the party's lost their way, to come over to you," the GMB host said.

"Sensible Conservatives don't think the King has cancer because he's taken a COVID vaccine... Children will die if their parents don't give them the MMR vaccine, it's really serious, it's not to be laughed at."

Richard replied: "The point of free speech and freedom of expression is that if someone says something that we all think, 'That doesn't sound right', then actually you've shone sunshine on that issue."

Ed concluded: "I'm flabbergasted. I totally agree with free speech. I think the idea that you, Richard Tice, putting a vaccine sceptic on your platform to spread lies and misinformation about the King's cancer [is wrong]."

"So, you agree with free speech as long as you like the message. That's essentially what you're saying. Come on, get a grip," a frustrated Richard continued, before adding: "Have you lost it?"

After watching the debate, the show's viewers quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their frustration.

"UNWATCHABLE," one person wrote, with another adding: "Dear lord."

A third said: "Well this is embarrassing," while a fourth fan similarly shared: "That was an interesting interview."

A fifth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "What a ridiculous topic to discuss," with another writing: "That was embarrassing to watch."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am