ITV's flagship morning programme, Good Morning Britain, is facing a fierce backlash from its loyal viewer base, who are overwhelmingly calling for the reinstatement of veteran host Ben Shephard.
The discontent erupted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans did not hold back their criticism of the new on-air lineup. Many long-time viewers expressed that the show's chemistry has fundamentally changed for the worse since Shephard's departure to host This Morning.
A Wave of Viewer Discontent
One viewer captured the prevailing mood, posting: "#GMB is not the same without Ben Shephard. Bring him back!" This sentiment was echoed by countless others who find the current presenting dynamic, particularly between Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, to be strained and uncomfortable.
Another fan commented on the awkward atmosphere, stating the programme had become "unwatchable" and that the pairing simply "does not work". The criticism highlights a significant challenge for producers following a major reshuffle in ITV's daytime schedule.
The Source of the Strain
While Susanna Reid remains a fixture on the sofa, her chemistry with co-hosts appears to be a central issue for audiences. Many tweets pointed to a specific lack of warmth and natural banter with Richard Madeley, making for stilted viewing.
Kate Garraway's ongoing absence due to personal family matters concerning her late husband, Derek Draper, has also left a noticeable void, further disrupting the programme's established rhythm and familiar feel that viewers had grown accustomed to.
An Uncertain Future for the Morning Show
This vocal reaction from its audience places ITV in a difficult position. The network must now decide whether to stay the course with the new format or reconsider its talent strategy to win back disgruntled fans.
The public outcry serves as a potent reminder of how deeply audiences connect with television personalities and the delicate balance required for a successful morning show format. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Good Morning Britain can adapt and regain its footing or if further changes are imminent.
