Good Morning Britain's Trisha Goddard makes history as first Black woman to lead ITV show

Trisha Goddard has made history by becoming the first Black woman to anchor ITV's Good Morning Britain in its 10-year run.

The daytime TV icon, who recently shared her cancer diagnosis, made a much-anticipated return to morning television alongside Richard Madeley, stepping in for Kate Garraway.

While Black male presenters Sean Fletcher and Alex Beresford have previously helmed the show, no Black woman has ever assumed the leading role in its decade-long tenure.

Marcus Ryder, Chair of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), believes such milestones should be "celebrated", adding that diversity in such programmes has influenced debates, including those surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan.

In a chat with the Mirror, he noted: "It should be pointed out that I am pretty sure Alex Beresford, as a Black man, played a crucial part in discussions about the Royal family.

"Particularly around Prince Harry and Meghan, and advancing that conversation on Good Morning Britain.

"You can observe how having Black presenters and Black individuals in positions of power can alter the course of debate and shift the discourse on significant issues.

"Such roles can actually mould and shape the lens through which the nation often views matters. It's so vital."

Alex Beresford famously clashed with former presenter Piers Morgan as he stood up for the Duchess of Sussex, informing the 59-year-old that Meghan had "cut him off" following their "brief friendship".

Piers Morgan infamously stormed off the set after a fiery debate, subsequently announcing his exit from the show.

Trisha Goddard has been vocal in her defence of Harry and Meghan amid their struggles with public scrutiny, once remarking: "They can't do anything right anyway."

On her return to daytime television, Trisha told Good Morning Britain viewers: "This is about pain and it's about continuous and relentless bullying."

Now at the helm as a lead presenter, Trisha's comeback has been lauded by Good Morning Britain audiences. who are loving her on the show.

Terms like "terrific" have been bandied about, and colleague Marcus rallied behind her, describing her role as "wonderful" and "important" for representation, particularly for youngsters like his son.

Marcus also highlighted the need for diversity both in front of the camera and behind it, saying: "I think it's absolutely wonderful that Trisha has got the job, that's absolutely great.

"For somebody like my son, seeing role models like that in those positions is really important."

Trisha Goddard, renowned for her long-running eponymous talk show 'Trisha' which aired between 1998 to 2010, has bravely battled breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2008.

Earlier this year, she shared the heart-wrenching news of her diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, which is incurable. Despite this, she chose treatments aimed at prolonging life.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.