Good Morning Britain turned awkward earlier today when UB40’s Ali Campbell and Astro appeared on the show, discussing their global tour.
Unfortunately, viewers were left cringing when host Adil Ray probed the musicians about a potential UB40 reunion, wondering whether the duo missed their former bandmates.
He asked: “Do you think we’ll ever see UB40 performing together again, or are those days over?”
Ali replied: “Those days are well gone. Astro and I, we tour around the world, we’re very successful. I think we’re the hottest reggae band in the world at the moment.
“So there’d be no point in going back to what we used to do years and years ago. We’re happy being in a contemporary leg.”
Adil suggested Ali ought to mend his rifts with his brothers, saying: “It seems to me there’s a sort of brother problem, with you and your brothers. We know Duncan’s not well at the moment.
UB40’s Ali Campbell and Astro appeared on Good Morning Britain today
“Could you not sort out your differences you think?”
Trying to steer the conversation back to their tour, Ali replied: “Not really, no. I was kind of betrayed by them. I left citing problems with management and all that management has been struck off so I stand vindicated.
“I’m just happy to carry on promoting reggae with our version of UB40.”
Charlotte Hawkins also asked Ali whether he was still in touch with his brother Duncan Campbell, who sadly suffered a stroke earlier this month.
Ali confirmed a reunion wasn’t on the cards on today’s GMB
Duncan became the lead singer of UB40 after Ali left the group, though the brothers grew apart after the band’s split.
He replied: “I know he’s recovering.”
Before adding: “I’m not in touch with him.”
Making it clear a reunion was off the cards, Astro added: “I wouldn’t wish anybody any illness, as Ali says we’re happy as we are.”
When asked whether he missed his former bandmates, Astro said: “not really” (Image: ITV)
When asked whether he missed the group performing together, he said: “Not really to be truthful.”
Taking to Twitter, viewers blasted the interview, branding the questions as “unnecessary” and “uncomfortable” as they tuned in from home.
One wrote: “How uncomfortable is this interview with UB40 on #gmb.”
“I don’t think that interview was fair at all. Was that really necessary?” wondered a second.
And a third chimed: “Awkward question they are asking them.”
While a fourth remarked: “How many times you lot gonna rub it in?! They ain’t talking move on.”
Founded in 70s Birmingham, the Brit reggae and pop group rose to fame with hit songs such as “Red Red Wine” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in the decades that followed.
Ali left the band to pursue a solo career in 2008 and fellow members Mickey Virtue and Astro later followed.
Six years later, the band’s remaining members took action against the group, made up of the trio, over the usage of the band’s name.
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
