Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has faced a wave of backlash from viewers after making repeated remarks about the age of Aviation Minister Keir Mather during the October 2 episode. Critics labelled her comments 'patronising' and 'shocking' on social media.
Interview sparks criticism
Garraway and co-host Ranvir Singh were discussing proposed measures that would prevent airlines from charging parents who wish to be seated with their children. The ITV stars welcomed 28-year-old Keir Mather onto the show for his first appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Introducing the MP, Garraway said her first thought was 'my goodness, ministers are getting younger every day'. She later told him he would please a lot of people if he became the new 'prefect' — a term usually used for an older student given special authority.
Age remarks continue
Although Mather brushed off the remark, Garraway continued to comment on his youthful appearance as the interview drew to a close, telling viewers he is the youngest Minister since Gladstone in 1834.
As the hosts prepared to discuss his contributions with panellists Salma Shah and Caroline Flint, Garraway asked whether they too felt their age while listening to him. Shah remarked she 'never felt so old', while Flint praised the MP for answering the questions put to him.
Viewer reaction
Reactions to the interview quickly followed, with numerous viewers criticising Garraway's comments. One person on X called them 'outrageously patronising', while another said it was 'not cool' to patronise the MP over his age. A third viewer said they were left 'really disappointed' and called the remarks 'shocking'.
However, one viewer praised the MP, calling the interview 'excellent' and saying how nice it was to see a young MP on television.
Good Morning Britain also faced backlash on Friday's show over the amount of coverage given to the new series of Celebrity Traitors. One segment saw Richard Arnold dressed as the BBC's Claudia Winkleman wearing a black wig, fingerless gloves and a black blazer. Another part saw Laura Tobin and Ranvir Singh in long green cloaks as a nod to the programme before joking they were going to 'murder' Kate, referring to her stint on the show last year.
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV weekdays from 6am.
