Kate Garraway returned to Good Morning Britain on Monday morning (5 August), after a lengthy absence from the ITV programme.
The 57-year-old presenter had been missing from the show for more than a week after her father, Gordon, suffered a heart attack. Ranvir Singh and Charlotte Hawkins stepped in for Kate, while Tina Hobley replaced the broadcaster on Smooth Radio as she rushed to Cornwall to be by her father’s side.
Kate and Ed spoke about the recent demonstrations organised by far-right groups which descended into riots in UK towns and cities. There was unrest in Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast, with missiles thrown, shops targeted and police attacked in some places.
They welcomed Andrew Pierce, consultant editor at Daily Mail, as well as MP Zara Sultana to gain further insight on the incident.
However, the discussion led fans to blast Kate as they accused her of defending those who organised the attacks. One fumed: “I’m disgusted by how they’re dog piling this girl when she’s defending a community under ATTACK! They’re literally arguing with her about calling these rioters Islamaphobic for 10 mins, ed and Kate are clearly defending these racists.”
Another wrote: “#GMB Kate worrying about future revenue streams from Mail. How quick she is to defend the rag.” A third claimed: “ITV’s GMB….GARAWAY & BALLS sounding more & more like they’re on the side of the rioters.”
Someone else shared: “Good on that young woman for calling out the British mainstream media. Kate Garraway, Andrew Pierce they act like they’re sweet and innocent.”
Another angry fan said: “Have just seen a clip of Zara Sultana MP, invited on to discuss the recent far right riots. I was astonished and disgusted by the way both presenters, Balls and Garroway, repeatedly interrupted and spoke over her. Utterly disgusting and highly disrespectful.”
In an Instagram post last week, Kate announced she would be returning to Good Morning Britain. She wrote: “Hi all – sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed and rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brother’s.
“It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable and even recovering a bit in hospital – we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time. Huge thanks to the incredible NHS staff for their endless kindness and the heart they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum and all our family.
She thanked her friends for changing their plans “yet again” to cover her. Kate added: “Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked so I have been able to support my Mum and Brother and be with my Dad while also giving Darcey and Billy some summer fun on their school holidays which of course they really need.
“Am hoping to be back on @gmb and @smoothradio on Monday so can update more then but for now sending love to you all.”