Behind-the-Scenes Tension on Breakfast Show
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid reportedly snapped at co-host Ed Balls during an off-screen argument that viewers didn't see during this morning's broadcast. The tension allegedly flared while they were covering this week's Budget discussions.
According to reports, the 54-year-old presenter told off her 58-year-old former Labour minister colleague during an advertising break about his plans for conducting their next segment. This incident occurred after both presenters had rigorously questioned Chancellor Rachel Reeves about her Budget plans yesterday.
Sources Reveal Presenting Dynamics
A source close to the situation explained: 'They usually have a great relationship, but it's clear Susanna wears the trousers.' The insider highlighted Reid's extensive experience, noting she's an incredibly competent journalist and presenter who has covered the budget for decades.
The source added: 'Seeing as Ed is a former Shadow Chancellor, Budget week is like Christmas to him. He loves feeling like he's still at the heart of government and balancing the books, but forgot he's in Susanna's territory now and she rules the roost.'
Another insider told The Sun: 'Ed got carried away and was soon put in his place by Susanna who helped keep them on track during a very busy news week.'
Reid's Tough Interviewing Style Continues
This behind-the-scenes drama follows Susanna Reid's formidable grilling of Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Thursday, where she left the Labour MP looking flustered during questioning about broken manifesto commitments.
The Chancellor had unveiled a £30 billion assault on British workers and introduced several smaller tax increases, including:
- A new pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles
- Increased taxes on online betting
- A so-called 'mansion tax' on homes worth more than £2 million
During the heated exchange, Reid persistently challenged Reeves over accusations of breaching Labour's election promise not to raise taxes on 'working people', particularly regarding a £13 billion freeze on income tax for three years.
When the Chancellor repeatedly denied breaching the manifesto pledge by insisting the document only committed to not changing tax 'rates', Reid pointedly asked: 'How can anyone believe anything you say?'
Reeves responded: 'I am Chancellor in the world as it is and not in the world as I might like it to be,' before detailing how the Government was easing costs on taxpayers.
History of On-Air Tensions
This isn't the first time Reid and Balls have engaged in heated discussions. Earlier this year, viewers complained they were talking over each other during a debate about fly-tipping.
During that exchange, Reid stated: 'My thing, bins on streets,' prompting Balls to interrupt: 'She wants a personal bin outside her house.' Reid countered: 'No, I have a personal bin like every resident does.'
The programme also faced criticism last year when Balls interviewed his wife, Yvette Cooper, then Home Secretary and now Foreign Secretary, with viewers questioning what they called a 'huge conflict of interest'. Ofcom later confirmed they had considered the issue but wouldn't pursue further action.
Despite today's reported tensions, ITV sources have denied any problems between the presenting duo, insisting they worked together 'perfectly well' on their Budget coverage.
