Ed Balls has sparked outrage among Good Morning Britain viewers after making a derogatory comment about co-star Charlotte Hawkins during Tuesday's show. While discussing a throwback clip of Hawkins' first appearance on This Morning in 1996, Balls remarked: "I think you've aged beautifully. I would say you look younger now than then, back then you looked a bit more podgy."
An visibly shocked Hawkins retorted: "Podgy? We'll have words after this." Former I'm A Celebrity star Melvin Odoom, who was on the show for his showbiz roundup, repeatedly urged Balls to "move on," adding: "I'm trying to help you, my brother." The segment ended with Hawkins telling viewers: "I'll have a word with Ed. In the meantime, here's Laura with the weather."
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their dismay. One wrote: "He’ll be up in front of the producers for that quip," while another said: "Ed Balls is so cringy and awkward around women." A third commented: "Did Ed really just say Charlotte looked fat when she was younger? Has he looked in the mirror lately? He's so rude!"
The incident comes months after Hawkins celebrated her 50th birthday in May, which was marked on GMB with nostalgic photos and a video from her early career. Co-host Adil Ray jokingly said she looked "63" in the old clip, but the tone was lighthearted. Hawkins' age has often surprised viewers, with many commenting on how youthful she appears.
