Good Morning Britain viewers saw Ed Balls return to the ITV show on Monday after a week-long absence. The 58-year-old presenter explained his time away and revealed he was feeling sore after a weekend activity.
Balls admitted he was struggling with stiffness, saying: 'I also played football on Saturday and I'm in immense pain, I can hardly move having played this football match. So, sunkissed but a bit stiff.'
Co-star Susanna Reid noted his tanned appearance, joking that he must have enjoyed warm weather. Balls clarified he had been sailing near the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Poole, where the sun reflected off the water.
During the show, Reid also marked Ed Balls Day, an annual celebration of the former shadow chancellor's accidental tweet of his own name on 28 April 2011. Balls quipped: 'Oh my gosh, well, and happy GMB day,' as the programme celebrated its 11th anniversary.
