Susanna Reid stepped in during a heated exchange between Kevin Maguire and Gillian Keegan on Monday's Good Morning Britain, as viewers voiced frustration over the on-air clash.
Debate over apology for slave trade
Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls returned to the ITV studios on Monday (November 2) to present the news programme, joined by regular commentators Kevin Maguire and Gillian Keegan. The discussion covered the death of Henry Nowak and the King's Caribbean tour, including the prospect of a formal apology for the UK's role in the slave trade.
Reid noted that the King was set to address Commonwealth leaders, with the prime minister having said he was open to a formal apology. Maguire said the lack of an apology was "a stain on Britain," while Balls recalled that Tony Blair, David Cameron and Rishi Sunak had come close to apologising but feared the follow-up question of reparations.
Clash over Burnham comments
Keegan criticised Andy Burnham for speaking out while the King was on a diplomatic mission, saying he had "opened his big mouth not once, but twice." Maguire then asked whether Tony Blair was wrong to apologise for the potato famine. Keegan said she did not have a strong view, prompting Maguire to press her repeatedly.
Reid stepped in, saying: "Hang on, Kevin. Let Gillian respond." Keegan questioned the point of a "slightly meaningless" apology, and Maguire accused her of running away from the issue.
Viewer reaction
Viewers shared their frustration on X, with one writing: "This is unlistenable with them shouting over each other." Another said: "The f****** noise. Utter s**** TV." A third commented: "Switching this off." Some defended Maguire, with one saying his comments on slavery were "spot on."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
