Richard Madeley has come under fire for his interview technique during his latest appearance on Good Morning Britain. The presenter was back fronting the ITV news programme alongside co-host Charlotte Hawkins on Wednesday (August 10).
The pair were joined live in the GMB studio by Robin Stanton-Gleaves who was on the show to discuss the horrifying death of a family friend which hit the headlines last month, British tourist Jack Fenton was killed by helicopter blades while in Greece.
The 22-year-old was disembarking from the aircraft when the rear rotor blade of the Bell 407 hit him in the head, causing him to die instantly. Mr Stanton-Gleaves, who is the chairman of Bromley football club and the father of Mr Fenton's school friend, appeared on GMB to share the horror of what happened and urged police to watch the CCTV.
READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley halts show to 'tell off' talking guests
"I was on the helicopter behind my son who rang me to tell me what had happened and when I got to site I saw the situation that was in front of me," Mr Stanton-Gleaves told Charlotte and Richard of the incident which happened near Athens after he had returned from Mykonos with friends.
He appeared on GMB as he was keen for the truth to get out there, claiming that the group were not escorted off the helicopter as they should have been. "They literally stepped off the helicopter. My son turned as he heard the sound and then he witnessed what he witnessed," he said.
"For whatever reason, Jack Fenton had turned another way stepping off the helicopter. The story that he was selfie-taking is all wrong. What we do know is that there was a CCTV camera and we can't fathom why nobody is looking at the camera." Mr Stanton-Gleaves said he cannot overstate how tragic it is, but it's even more disappointing and more upsetting for the family of Jack and his friends that the truth was twisted.
"He [Mr Fenton] went school with my oldest boy. He was one of his good friends. I coached low-level football with Jack in the team and He was a natural sportsman, a wonderful little footballer, a good rugby player, a good hockey player and just a naturally gifted lovely boy," Mr Stanton-Gleaves continued.
At the end of the interview, Richard, 66, praised Mr Stanton-Gleaves for appearing on the programme to talk to them about the tragic vent and shook his hand in gratitude. But some GMB viewers were left unimpressed as they flocked to social media to complain about one moment in the chat.
As he tried to explain what really happened on that day, Richard told the guest to "get to the point" as they were running short of time. "That's why I want you to tell it because we're a little bit short of time," Richard interrupted. "So can you get to that story then? What is it that your son told you?"
@KarenlovesGB tweeted: "Omg. Madeley talking to the friend of Jack Fenton might as well have just said ‘GET TO THE POINT’ he’s so rude #gmb." @CommonSenceUK replied: "Pure Alan Partridge. The hand shake was cringin. Feel so sorry for Jack and his mate and the dad. He was only trying to give the lads a great memory. #gmb."
@PoppyTalbot1990 fumed: "#GMB oh sod off Richard Madeley. You’re rushing him in the most incompassionate way. Just say you’re sorry & that they don’t have much time. Not GET TO THE STORY!" @G11GGSY complained: "#gmb's richard madeley interview techniques are so uncomfortable to watch. give that man some respect - telling him 'get to that story, we are a bit short of time' is very insensitive!"
Mr Fenton, reported to have studied at Oxford Brookes University, was described by his heartbroken mum as "wonderful" and said that the family were "devastated" after news of Mr Fenton's death became public. She told the MailOnline: “We only found out what happened at 10pm last night. We are completely devastated. He was the most wonderful boy."
The student was also described as “very popular” by the headteacher of his former school in Maidstone, Kent. James Thomas, headmaster of Sutton Valence School, said the "school was very sad to hear the tragic news about Jack" before adding: "He was a very popular member of the community, and we have sent our condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the incident."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in July: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities."
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