Good Morning Britain viewers were left disgusted on Tuesday morning (October 6) as Ed Balls and Kevin Maguire paid tribute to the late author and politician Lord Jeffrey Archer. The former MP, who stepped down from politics after being declared bankrupt, served time behind bars for perjury and perverting the course of justice.
After his release, Archer went back to being a popular novelist, penning a New York Times bestseller and announcing his final book in 2025. His death was announced yesterday (October 5), with his publisher HarperCollins stating he died "suddenly and peacefully" at the age of 86.
Maguire's critical tribute
While tributes have poured in from high-profile figures, GMB's efforts were criticised by viewers. Speaking on the programme, Kevin Maguire said: "Archer lied on oath about Monica Coghlan, who, remember, she said he ruined her life. We mustn't forget that, because when she was in the witness box at the libel trial, she was telling the truth, she was subjected to two days' worth of incredibly fierce cross-examination, saying, 'You're a liar, you're a liar', and she broke down in tears many times.
"The judge sided with Jeffrey Archer, and infamously described, 'Why would he go with this sex worker from Rochdale when he has the fragrant Mary Archer in his life?'
"And of course it was Jeffrey Archer who was lying, because he'd paid £2000 to this woman, to have sex in a cheap hotel, and later tried to buy her off with another £20,000, claiming he hadn't met her.
"The line, 'Don't speak ill of the dead', I think when we look at him, we have to look at him in the round," he added.
Viewers react on X
But viewers didn't seem to agree, and quickly turned to X to share their thoughts. One furiously tweeted: "Even in death, Maguire can't help but have another dig, just because he was a Conservative. Nobody is perfect. Just pay tribute, very simple."
Another posted: "Ed Balls doing his best with that sleazy Maguire 'journo'. Both take great delight in disparaging anyone who doesn't lean into their communist views."
A third echoed: "Maguire hates everything. His chip has grown into a boulder. His parents must have totally brainwashed him. That kind of indoctrination is cruel."
Other viewers defend the criticism
On the flip side, however, others claimed Archer was eulogised "like a saint" on the programme by hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid, with one penning: "Jeffrey Archer elevated to sainthood this morning after his unexpected death. A brilliant writer he was also a consummate liar – he's described by Gillian Keegan as someone who helped everyone GMB) – except Monica Coghlan whose life he ruined – later convicted of perjury & imprisoned."
Another mused: "Airbrushing crook Archer is about standard for this channel."
"I would never wish harm on anyone, but building Archer up into some sort of hero after he committed adultery, was involved in numerous dodgy financial transactions, lied and spent time inside for it…" someone else said.
