Susanna Reid and Ed Balls paid tribute to a "good friend" of Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after the death of Lord Jeffrey Archer at the age of 86.
The bestselling author and former Conservative politician died "suddenly and peacefully at home" on Monday between writing sessions, according to a statement from his publisher HarperCollins. His latest novel was due to be published on the day of his death.
Hosts share sad news on air
Opening Tuesday's programme, Susanna Reid said: "Our main news this morning is that the former Conservative politician and good friend of Good Morning Britain Lord Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86. According to his publisher HarperCollins, the esteemed writer, whose latest novel is out today, died suddenly and peacefully at home."
She added: "Now, we were expecting to speak to him this morning on the programme. The bestselling author's life was not without scandal. He spent two years of a four-year jail sentence for a perjury conviction in prison, subsequently writing about his experience."
Ed Balls noted: "Lord Archer's family have asked for privacy and shared how much he was loved, how proud they are of him and his career." Bulletin reporter Philip Sime then looked back on Lord Archer's life in a pre-recorded segment.
Tributes from political figures
Political correspondent Louisa James, speaking from the Tory party conference in Birmingham, said: "A few people have said that Jeffrey Archer himself, a man who loved a good story, would have enjoyed the drama of his death in the middle of a party conference, and actually, just hours before his final novel was due to be published."
She reported that Kemi Badenoch had written on X that she was shocked and deeply saddened, noting he had sent her a lovely message that morning and had always been a great source of encouragement to her personally, describing him as "a dear friend to the Conservative family."
Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth also paid tribute on X, writing: "Just yesterday I did a show with Jeffrey Archer to celebrate his new novel - he said it was to be his last. He was in the most wonderful, ebullient form and had such a great reception from a packed house. He was funny engaging and self-deprecating - a great storyteller to the last."
Long association with the programme
Lord Archer had appeared on Good Morning Britain several times in recent years. His most recent appearance came in September 2025, when he discussed his final William Warwick novel, End Game, and shared political commentary.
He and his wife Mary had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. The couple shared two sons and five grandchildren.
