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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

ITV Good Morning Britain's Ed Balls hints at Susanna Reid outrage after 'patronising' joke about guest's hair

Susanna Reid left Good Morning Britain viewers unimpressed with them slamming her for a 'patronising' joke about a guest's haircut. The presenter was back at the helm of the ITV news programme on Monday morning (September 26) alongside Ed Balls.

During the first edition of the programme of the week, they were joined by Labour MP and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves. She appeared on the show live via video link from the Labour Party Conference which is taking place in Liverpool up until Thursday after beginning over the weekend.

But during a chat about tax cuts in the new government mini-budget which was unveiled last week, Susanna alluded to the fact that it appeared further cuts had been made - to Reeves' hair.

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Susanna then asked the MP if she had a haircut, mentioning the "very noticeable" trim but had to make her comment twice after Reeves didn't hear her the first time. "You can't reverse your haircut, but which of the tax cuts would you reverse if Labour wins the next General Election?" the show's host said.

Reeves then made a dig about the "cuts we've seen from the Chancellor" before asking "I hope you approve?" referring to her hair.

As they wrapped up the interview, Ed said:" You've got a speech to make, autocue practice to go have, photo opportunities and final touches... Don't change your speech at the last minute is my advice. Stick with what you've got. But good luck with it today."

Rachel Reeves was on the programme via video link (ITV)

"Or my hair," Reeves then quipped to which Susanna replied: "The hair change is already done. Rachel, thanks very much indeed." But the comment clearly caught Ed by surprise as he addressed it after their guest had gone.

"Good job I didn't say that about her hair, I'd be in total trouble." Susanna asked: "Would you?" to which Ed replied: "Yeah, absolutely."

Explaining herself, Susanna went on: "I just think when you see a politician who you are used to seeing in a certain way and all of a sudden there's a radical difference..." But Ed stopped her and said: "What did you think of Kwasi Kwarteng's hair yesterday?"

She paused and replied: "I didn't really notice Kwasi Kwarteng's hair yesterday but Friday it looked quite smart," before moving on with the show.

Ed mentioned Susanna's comments (ITV)

But it didn't go down well with GMB viewers. @Fadingfast58 fumed: "#gmb still reeling from hair question to Reeves. Unbelievable. It’s either sexist or some pathetic attempt to put her off her stride. Latter failed." @Christopher_T42 said: "Never mind her hair, ask about policy #gmb."

@VicLC_2508 complained: "@susannareid100 any need to be so cruel about the guest speakers hair? This is when @GMB acts like a petty school playground." @Flopsypickle remarked: "Rather sexist of Susanna to ask Rachel Reeves about her haircut, either that or she was trying to put her on the back foot. Whatever the reason, it was the wrong one #GoodMorningBritain."

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