Susanna Reid has lept to her co-star's defence after news of her return to Good Morning Britain was revealed. The presenter has been absent from the ITV news programme this week with both Ranvir Singh and Charlotte Hawkins stepping in to cover over the half-term break.
Alongside the two female presenters, Robert Rinder kicked off the week with a fresh stint on the show before Ed Balls returned to the helm. And during Friday's show (February 17), Ranvir and Ed revealed some news about Susanna's return.
To mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the mum-of-three will be heading to Kyiv where will be speaking to families who have been affected by the conflict, including a dance teacher who now runs classes online.
Ed explained: "On Monday, Susanna is going to be in Kyiv for the anniversary week of the war. Monday and Tuesday she's going to be talking to lots of people in Kyiv about what is happening in there and their reaction."
Ranvir then cut in to say: "The reality of there. It's sort of creating, you have to sort of normalise the air raid sirens and normalise life there while it's a completely extraordinary and terrifying situation. Of course, for the family living with you, the father, did he stay on to help fight?"
Ed explained he has two young dance champions living at his home as he has been hosting a Ukrainian family who fled the war last year. "Susanna’s going to be with lots of different guests, but specifically, she’s going to be with a dance teacher who is the teacher of the two under-12 dance champions," he shared.
"They have been living with us… since last April. There’re two families. They partly do their dance lessons on Zoom back to Kyiv from our kitchen but Katya [Jones, his former Striclty Come Dancing partner] has also helped connect them to dance teachers in Manchester. She’s seen them dance, given them tips and encouragement."
Susanna also took time from her break to share the news on Twitter. Sharing a clip of Ed and Ranvir discussing the show, she wrote: "Next week marks one devastating year since Russia invaded Ukraine. "I'll be in Kyiv Monday morning @gmb reporting on the cost of war for the Ukrainian people. The effect on the families & children who stayed - and on those left behind when their loved ones fled to the UK."
But in response, a fellow journalist asked: "Sorry why is Ed Balls presenting breakfast tv now," to which Susanna quickly replied: "Because he’s really good."
It comes after GMB viewers praised Ed over an on-air 'clash' with Ranvir. On Friday, the former Labour MP complained: "Will you stop reading my links? That’s the second time," as they tried to introduce entertainment editor Richard Arnold onto the show for his regular slot.
"I’m so sorry," Ranvir said as she laughed at her eagerness to host. Richard also seemed to see the funny side as he quipped: "It’s not often people fight over me so I’m enjoying it." And fans were pleased to see Ed say something.
@lesleyadamson8 tweeted: "I'm happy that Ed asked Ranvir to stop stealing his lines, she is so annoying. I remember when Richard Arnold had to to say 'if I can get a word in' to her too #gmb." @tighabhinn posted: "Finally !! ...from an irritated Ed Balls to Ranvir 'Will you STOP reading my links!' #GMB."
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