Good Morning Britain viewers spoke out in Ed Ball's defence as he returned to hosting duties on the show. The former Labour MP joined Susanna Reid back at the helm of the ITV news programme on Wednesday (September 28).
The pair were joined live in the studio by former Educating Yorkshire star Musharaf Asghar. Back in 2013, the then secondary school student appeared in the Channel 4 show which aimed to show what it's like to grow up or work in a secondary school in the heart of a diverse northern community.
He captured hearts when he emulated King George VI, the subject of the Oscar-winning film The King's Speech, and used music to help get control over his stammer before giving an incredible speech in front of his fellow pupils and teachers, many of who were reduced to tears.
READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid struggles to step in as debate turns into singing chaos
Musharaf, now 26, had since gone on to graduate from university with a degree in broadcast journalism and become a public speaker and spoke to Susanna and Ed about his inspiring journey. Prior to their chat, the show played the clip of Musharaf giving his speech almost 10 years ago. Ed and Susanna appeared emotional. A teary-eyed Ed said: "Oh my gosh, it gets you every time." Before Susanna, who admitted to welling up, said: "Congratulations Mushy. Honestly, I feel like a proud mum."
Later, Susanna explained how Ed struggled to speak publicly about his own stammer, adding: "Even people watching this morning will not realise that's something which has been a challenge for you." Ed replied: "I kept being told by the therapist that I had to be open but I told them I couldn't be open as I was a Cabinet minister and people don't talk about these things.
"Then I saw some people at the Michael Palin Centre talk about it and then I saw you [Musharaf] on television and I thought if you, doing your GCSEs can be that brave, why am I being a coward? I thought I talked about it maybe it could help and what you find out is that if you talk about it, it's liberating."
He revealed he "stammers all the way through this programme" but he "rides through it". Ed added: "I don't think people notice most of the time, but I do and I don't mind, it's the owning of it, as you said at the beginning, it's who you are."
Ed has been given some criticism over his presenting technique and after being reminded of his hidden battle, GMB viewers have shared messages of support. In response to someone slamming Ed for being emotional, @Christopher_T42 wrote: "He has a stammer, which is why when he speaks he pauses #gmb."
@FlopsyPickle tweeted: "I've seen a lot of comments about Ed Balls and how he must be stupid because he struggles with the autocue, when in actual fact he has a stammer, which he has discussed on the show before. Lots of ignorant people around unfortunately #gmb #GoodMorningBritain."
@Juani983 commented: "Ed has a stammer? I’ve never ever noticed. I know he can’t really pronounce “R’s” but have never noticed a stammer before. #GMB," to which @EdithBo11775637 replied: "He controls it very well with his breathing."
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