Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls was not too impressed over a guest’s comment about his wife.
The ITV show returned for another instalment on Thursday (March 21) with Ed and Kate Garraway back at the helm. But things took an awkward turn during a chat with with guest Quentin Letts.
They were discussing the Rwanda bill when Quentin made a remark about Ed’s wife being the Shadow Home Secretary. Quentin said: “It’s a bit tricky discussing this with Ed presenting the programme, given that his wife is the Shadow Home Secretary, but…”
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Ed quickly interrupted, asking why answering the question was difficult. He added: “Well I just think it’s tricky if you’re trying to have a debate with someone.” However, Jacqui Smith pointed out that spouses don’t always share the same views.
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Ed tried to calm things down by telling Quentin he wasn’t debating, just asking a question. But Quentin couldn’t resist another dig at Ed and his role on the show because of who his wife is, reports the Express.
As the discussion about the Rwanda Bill continued, Quentin called Ed “Mr Cooper”. Ed responded: “Why do you keep saying that? Isn’t that a really patronising thing?”
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Quentin replied: “I don’t want to make a big thing of it.” But it was clear that Ed had had enough of Quentin’s comments. He said: “You are making a big thing of it, you’ve made remarks twice.”
“It’s really patronising to me, of course it is, the idea that I can’t ask you questions on this television programme because I’m married to somebody who has a role in politics.
“In my experience, people who make those kinds of taunts are people who find it hard to answer the questions, why don’t you answer the question and stop playing silly politics?”
Quentin tried to respond, but Ed quickly shut him down, accusing him of making slurs. Quentin said: “I was trying to say to you I think the Tories will not get a benefit from this, but you wouldn’t let me.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Ed shot back: “No I did, I interrupted you when you called me Mr Cooper and made a slur on my integrity rather than answering the questions, answer the questions and don’t slander me.”
Viewers quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the heated exchange, with many praising Ed for his handling of the situation. One person said: “Go Ed! Good for you for challenging Quentin Letts.
“It was completely inappropriate to call your integrity in question in the way he did and made him look unprofessional not you.” Someone else added: “Well done to Ed Balls for challenging him.”
A third penned: “Well done Ed. For calling out Quentin for his pathetic remark . He was left speechless.” However, some viewers agreed with Quentin’s comment. One wrote: “Absolutely disgraceful behaviour by Ed Balls on your programme this morning, making watching your programme very uncomfortable, did Quentin hit a nerve? yes for telling the truth.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
