GMB hit with 15k Ofcom complaints as Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper fury escalates

Good Morning Britain has been hit with even more complaints after Ed Balls' "ridiculous" interview with his wife, the Home Secretary.

The ITV channel was hit with an influx of complaints from Ofcom last week relating to both Ed and Kate Garraway's questioning of Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana. Additional complaints were relating to Ed's interview with his wife, Yvette Cooper.

This week, a further 8,419 complaints have been made relating to the same interview, making the total number of complaints 15,621.

The TV host is currently taking a break from presenting the morning show.

At the time, Audiences challenged the possibility of Ed maintaining objectivity, labelling the situation as "ridiculous" and suggesting another presenter should have taken the reins.

Despite the backlash, ITV stood by their choice, with a spokesperson asserting: "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."

"We are satisfied that these interviews were balanced, fair and duly impartial."

The drama escalated following a fiery on-air debate between MP Zarah Sultana and the hosts, where they discussed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's urgent press briefing.

Whilst he condemned the rioters as "far-right thugs" Sultana highlighted his failure to term the unrest "Islamaphobic" or "racist."

Ed countered: "They have called it racist", with Kate interjecting "No, no."

As Kate attempted to delve into the significance of the word "Islamophobia" for the MP, Ed repeatedly cut in, prompting Sultana to request: "Can I finish Ed, if that's ok? ".

This sparked outrage amongst viewers who bombarded Ofcom and social media, slamming the presenter for his interruptions and accusing him of a "passive-aggressive" attitude.

GMB continues weekdays from 6am on ITV.