Lorraine Kelly has clashed with Jennifer Arcuri during a live handover on Good Morning Britain, leaving viewers stunned by her blunt assessment of the US businesswoman's interview.
Speaking after Arcuri had faced questions from Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, Kelly challenged her directly, asking: "What's the point of you coming on TV to clear the air and then you don't say anything?"
Arcuri, who is at the centre of a misconduct controversy involving Prime Minister Boris Johnson, defended her appearance, saying: "I believe I said a few things. What is it you're looking for that I should say?" Kelly replied that Arcuri had failed to answer any of the questions put to her.
The exchange was quickly shared online, with Kelly trending on social media. Arcuri later told the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC Two that the ITV presenters had "ganged up" on her, adding: "The fact that I'm called out on GMB, 'Why am I here if I'm not here to admit the affair?' Well wait a minute, I'm not allowed to be upset?"
Kelly, who is usually known for her polite manner, previously made headlines for clashing with Conservative MP Esther McVey in June. Her intervention with Arcuri, however, was seen as making a journalistic point about guests who appear on programmes but are unwilling to answer pressing questions.
Piers Morgan has described Kelly as "an iron fist in a velvet glove", a description she has endorsed. A judge earlier this year ruled that Kelly plays a particular version of herself on air, meaning she could be considered a "theatrical artist".
