Good Morning Britain experienced an unexpected presenter shake-up on Monday morning when veteran host Richard Madeley was forced to pull out of the show at the last minute.
On-Air Announcement and Replacement
The programme began with co-anchor Susanna Reid addressing the situation directly, explaining Madeley's absence to viewers. "Richard Madeley, due to be on air this morning, a little bit poorly, so get well soon Richard, watching from home," she stated, before introducing his stand-in.
Stepping into the vacant seat was ITV News editor Paul Brand, who joined Reid for the Monday broadcast. Brand immediately lightened the mood with a humorous remark directed at the absent presenter, saying, "Get well soon, Richard, and come and help me out! I don't know what I'm doing, and I've never sat next to you before either, so this is fresh territory for me."
A Warm Welcome and Viewer Reaction
The on-air chemistry was palpable, with Reid joking about the unusual circumstances. "What fresh hell is this, you thought this morning, when you got the call," she chuckled to Brand. He later noted the warm reception, mentioning, "It's been very nice this morning, you gave me a hug when you arrived," to which Reid quipped, "Not everyone gets a hug on this programme... former presenters included."
The new pairing was met with significant praise from the audience. On social media, viewers hailed Paul Brand as a "breath of fresh air" and a "proper journalist." One viewer commented on the change in tone, noting, "No shouting this morning, it's great," while another pleaded, "Brilliant, please tell us that Paul is permanent?"
Susanna Reid herself endorsed the new dynamic, sharing a selfie with Brand on her social media prior to the broadcast with the caption: "MORNING! The brilliant @PaulBrandITV with us in the hot seat this morning."
Who is Paul Brand?
While a fresh face to the Good Morning Britain sofa for many, Paul Brand is a well-established figure within ITV. He previously served as the network's political correspondent and was promoted to the role of UK Editor for ITV News in 2021, making him a highly qualified and familiar stand-in for the morning show.
Good Morning Britain continues to air weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
