Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls has faced a wave of criticism from viewers after his interview with Reform UK's Zia Yusuf, with some calling for him to be removed from the programme.
During Monday's (November 3) show, Balls and co-host Susanna Reid spoke to Yusuf about the death of Henry Nowak. Nowak was 18 when he was stabbed and killed by Vickrum Digwa in December 2025. At the scene, police officers approached Digwa, who claimed he had been racially abused by Nowak. Despite repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe, Nowak was handcuffed on the floor and died shortly after.
Nowak's family have since spoken out, claiming his murder was politicised.
Question on regrets sparks anger
During the interview, Balls asked Yusuf: "Do you have any regret that it felt as though, for a period, Nigel Farage was supporting protesters because it did become quite violent in Southampton in those days. Is there any regrets on your side on that?"
Yusuf responded: "The only regret that I have is that Henry is not still alive today and I make no apologies. I came into politics, as did Nigel, to make important arguments to improve the lives of people in this country. I don't want to see another person suffer and die the way Henry did, being handcuffed as he bled to death because someone falsely accused him of racism. That's what I'm focused on."
Viewers call for Balls to be axed
The question sparked outrage from viewers, with one branding the presenter a "disgrace" on X. They wrote: "This is a disgrace by Ed Balls and GMB. Ed Balls says Henry Nowak's family does not want his death politicised, then, in the very next breath, does exactly that! He tries to pin some of the blame for the violence that followed Henry's death onto Nigel Farage, before asking Zia Yusuf whether his party has any regrets. Unbelievable! Unusually restrained from Zia, but the right call out of respect for the family. Ed Balls, meanwhile, used a man's death, against his family's wishes, to try and smear Farage and Reform. That's unacceptable."
Another viewer commented: "GMB is unwatchable. Just Labour propaganda." A third said: "He should of been banned ages ago. He's so biased but it fits the left wing agenda and propaganda." A fourth demanded: "Get Balls off the programme." A fifth fumed: "Ed Balls is the reason why people has switched off @GMB he is a disgrace."
Someone else claimed: "ITV news did the same. The family said they don't want it politicised. Then ITV news go on to try and pin blame on Farage and Reform."
