Good Morning Britain viewers are used to the presenting line-up having regular changes since the exit of Piers Morgan in March 2021. Following the controversial star's exit, a permanent replacement hasn't been found and instead a few male stars have stepped into the role.
Richard Madeley has become one of the ITV news programme's regular hosts alongside Adil Ray. But Ed Balls, Martin Lewis, and more recently Robert Rinder have all taken to the helm alongside Susanna Reid, Kate Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins and Ranvir Singh.
But after Rob, aka Judge Rinder, took the reins with Charlotte for the first half of the week, those tuning into GMB on Thursday (August 18) were met with a surprise. Kate, 55, who was absent last week as she took a break away in Wales, was joined by a familiar ITV face.
Paul Brand made his Good Morning Britain presenting debut during the latest instalment of the breakfast show. The Welsh broadcaster helped Kate wake up the nation with the latest breaking news and other headlines, including A-Level results.
But before kicking off the programme, Kate welcomed Paul, who many will know Paul for being UK Editor for ITV News and previously Political Correspondent.
"I think I'm punching here, Kate," Paul admitted with a laugh as a giggling Kate replied: "You're really not," before continuing: "We're normally talking to you here in the studio about all the amazing things that you've done and brought to everyone's attention with your brilliant journalism but now you're back presenting GMB. How do you feel so far?"
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"Awake. which a good thing." Paul responded as Kate cheekily said: "That's a good start. Better than Ben Shephard most of the time." Paul then continued: "I've got a one-year-old son so he's been a good rehearsal for the early start and i'd normally be changing a nappy around now. So this is a significant upgrade to my usual morning routine.
Kate added: "That's a good start. We wanted to really welcome Paul as I know you'd all recognise him as some of his story have changed all our lives in the process." A montage of some of the huge news stories Paul has reported on later played out showing him speaking to various GMB stars about the stories which have gripped the public over the last couple of years.
After the short clip came to an end, Kate said: "I think we're punching," as Paul joked: "I feel like I'm on This Is Your Life of something." Kate also shared a smiling selfie of the pair taken from behind the desk in the GMB studio. Posting it on Twitter, she wrote: "He broke #partygate & so many other news stories that have affected all our lives & now @paulbrandItv is hosting @GMB with me this morning & we are loving it - do join us!"
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