Good Morning Britain viewers were left disgruntled as Yvette Cooper was grilled by her own husband, Ed Balls, on the show.
Ed, aged 57, joined forces with Kate Garraway for the Monday episode (August 5) of the ITV morning show. The broadcast's main focus was the recent surge in demonstrations led by far-right factions across various UK cities.
Clashes erupted in Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast, with scenes of missiles being hurled, retail outlets targeted, and law enforcement coming under attack in certain areas.
The presenting pair engaged with several guests to discuss the unrest, including Yvette, who has been married to Ed for 26 years and currently serves as the Home Secretary. Although Kate, also 57, seemed to spearhead the conversation, Ed did not hesitate to question his spouse on a range of topics related to the disturbances.
He probed into how social media platforms should deal with users disseminating "racist" material online, and sought Yvette's views on whether the police were equitable in their response to the violence during the riots.
Audience members took to social media to voice their concerns during the segment, arguing that Ed's marital ties to Yvette made it unfeasible for him to maintain objectivity.
A spokesperson for GMB has since told Express.co.uk: "Following a weekend of rioting and national unrest, GMB featured a range of interviews and discussion around this national emergency on today’s programme which included James Cleverly, Shadow Home Secretary and Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary."
They added: "We are satisfied that these interviews were balanced, fair and duly impartial."
Viewers shared their dismay after Ed interviewed his wife on-screen, as one viewer commented: "Ed Balls is married to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, it is not ok to use him to host this interview."
Another chimed in: "I don't think Ed Balls should be interviewing Yvette Cooper on GMB. They're a married couple. It's ridiculous."
A further critic remarked: "Ed Balls is actually interviewing his wife Yvette Cooper on GMB right now. Not really how we're supposed to consume news."
"How can Ed Balls interview his WIFE Yvette Cooper about the riots, conflict of interest!" another viewer echoed.
Another individual wrote: "Gmb had on guest speaker this morning, Yvette Cooper the home secretary and guess who the presenter was interviewing her on the riots, yes her husband Ed Balls ffs! Nice and cosy I call it, they must have been rehearsing all night. How is this allowed?"(sic)
A sixth person chimed in: "@GMB How can you seriously have Ed Balls on as a presenter, talking about 'Home secretary Yvette Cooper,' as if she WASN'T his wife? Ridiculous!"
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6.30am
