Flamingo balance test shows if you'll die in next 7 years - and Richard Madeley failed it

Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley failed the 'flamingo test' as he attempted to show off his balancing skills on Wednesday's show.

During the latest edition of the ITV breakfast programme, hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh invited Doctor Hilary Jones into the studio to discuss some of the latest health headlines.

It wasn't long before Dr Hilary had father-of-two Richard on his feet and trying out the 'flamingo test'.

Researchers have suggested that the ‘flamingo test’ is incorporated into mid-life health checks as a simple way to gauge longevity.

People over 50 who are unable to stand on one leg for 10 seconds are at double the risk of dying in the next decade, the study found.

GMB viewers were not overly impressed on Wednesday as Doctor Hilary Jones returned to the ITV show (ITV)

The global study team, including experts from Bristol Medical School, tracked 1,702 participants, aged 51 to 75, from Brazil between 2009 and 2020.

They were asked to place the front of the lifted foot on the back of the opposite lower leg, keeping their arms by their sides and their gaze fixed straight ahead.

Dr Hilary explained: "Researchers have found that if you can pass this test, your risk of dying in the next seven years is much lower.

Richard Madeley was keen to try the 'flamingo test' live on GMB (ITV)

"If you can't pass this test, it's 84 per cent higher of death in the next seven years," he added, before asking Richard to stand up and give it a go.

Richard, 66, passed the test with flying colours - but later struggled to stand up when he was challenged with doing the test with his eyes closed.

Moments later, Ranvir raised the topic of Covid and rising numbers of the virus as Dr Hilary mentioned that people are "living like there's no tomorrow".

Some GMB viewers accused Dr Hilary of 'scaremongering' (ITV)

Some GMB viewers were not happy at all with Dr Hilary's appearance and took to Twitter to comment.

One person fumed: "Oh f*ck off Hilary, I've got MS & couldn't possibly do the flamingo test !! Stop scaring people GPs will now be inundated with folk thinking they're gonna die !! #GMB."

Another person tweeted: "Here we go, Dr Doom is in the building. #GMB," while a third claimed: "Dr Death is back to scaremongering on @GMB #COVID #gmb."

Richard struggled to pass the test when he did it with his eyes closed (mirror.co.uk)

Someone else added: "Dr Death is on now to cheer everyone up in these desperate times," while another joked: "From standing like a flamingo to covid news. Hilary's back. #GMB."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV Hub.