Good Morning Britain has sparked fury among viewers after disabling comments on most of its X (formerly Twitter) videos. During Friday's (July 24) live broadcast, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the show had restricted interaction on several posts.
Videos that did not allow comments included updates on Edinburgh's new tourist tax, Richard Arnold's exclusive interview with country singer Shania Twain, and a segment on Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new office in the north of England. The only clip that allowed viewers to share their thoughts featured hosts Kate Garraway and Rob Rinder discussing their favourite 'picky bit' items with Andi Peters.
Viewers react
Frustrated fans quickly took to the comments section to express their confusion. One person asked: 'Why are comments turned off on recent posts?' Another branded the move 'absolutely pathetic', while a third remarked: 'Allow comments on all or close this account!! We are allowed an opinion on breakfast but not on the PM working outside of No.10!!'
A fourth viewer said: 'So GMB is restricting the public from commenting on their posts! The whole point of X is that it's interactive and allows people to give their feedback on your programme. I suspect you haven't appreciated the comments, so you've censored them. That's as pathetic as it is ridiculous.'
Meanwhile, other fans praised the programme and the humorous clip. One person commented on Instagram: 'So funny, that is what we want in the morning.' Another wrote: 'Kate, I love how you're embracing your morning vibes. Keep slaying.'
Susanna Reid's summer break
The change comes days after Susanna Reid announced her summer break from the programme, alongside Ed Balls. The pair are expected to return to the ITV studio on September 1. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (July 22), Susanna paid tribute to their director, Stuart Earl, who was leaving the show after ten years.
'SHOES OFF, OUT OF OFFICE ON! Time for my summer break - but also time to say goodbye to our wonderful Director @stuearl who has been the champion of this programme for a decade. Thank you for everything Stuart,' she wrote. '@edballs and I will be back September 1st after our travels. THANK YOU to our amazing viewers for watching and for contacting us and sharing your views - never a 'waste of time' being on this brilliant programme [winking emoji] and thanks to everyone on Team @gmb.'
Kate Garraway sent her support, writing: 'We'll miss you both @susannareid100 @edballs and @stuearl - we'll miss you so much - good luck with your next adventure.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
