GOOD Morning Britain was plunged into “crisis” mode and Ed Balls could be forced to LEAVE – after his wife became embroiled in ‘Taylorgate’.
The presenter, 57, has been absent from the flagship breakfast show and sources claim stressed ITV staff are frantically holding secret meetings.
Ed Balls’ future on Good Morning Britain is allegedly ‘causing real problems’[/caption]
Ed came under fire after interviewing his own wife over the Southport stabbings[/caption]
As reported by the MailOnline, the atmosphere has been tense at the ITV London studios as Ed’s wife, Home Secretary of State Yvette Cooper, has been embroiled in ‘Taylorgate‘.
A Good Morning Britain source alleged: “There are serious disagreements now over what to do for the best.
“The whole thing is a headache, he is rated highly as a broadcaster, but it is causing real problems now.
“ITV are desperately trying to find a solution. Ed is really well liked by the team, but he has become a growing headache with accusations of bias blighting the show.”
The scandal unfolded after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Taylor Swift and her mother at Wembley after No10 “pressured” police to give the superstar VIP taxpayer funded security.
The PM accepted £2,600 worth of tickets to the final night of the Eras tour in London from Swift’s music label – and introduced his family to the billionaire singer.
It was revealed last week Ms Cooper was involved in the controversial decision that allowed the Eras Tour singer a bolstered police escort.
The Home Secretary was also given four tickets to the concert, which she attended with Ed.
The Good Morning Britain host tied the knot with Yvette Cooper in 1998 and they share three children together.
While nothing has been confirmed, the GMB host – who usually accompanies Susana Reid, has not appeared on set.
And, ITV bosses have been on high alert ever since Philip Schoefield’s bombshell This Morning exit, and subsequent fallout with Holly Willoughby – who also stepped down.
‘IT ALL WENT PRETTY CRAZY’
Ed joined the Labour party when he was just 16-years-old.
He served as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families under Tony Blair and then as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The GMB host sparked scathing criticism when he questioned his wife on the show after the Southport stabbings, which saw three little girls tragically killed.
Serious unrest was sparked following the horror, with violent riots sweeping across the UK.
A raging viewer penned: “How could you let Ed Balls interview his own wife, Yvette Cooper?!
“That’s not journalism, that’s a cosy little chat between spouses. Biased doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
The interview promoted a whopping 16,000 complaints and GMB sources claim the show went into “crisis” mode.
The insider alleged: “It all went pretty crazy, the bosses all headed off together.”
They also claimed ITV is “paranoid” about public reception and bosses “were fuming”.
One source added: “There are strong opinions all around ITV over it, how can things be fair and unbiased if he’s hosting?
“It isn’t just about Yvette, it’s about other Labour MPs and an anti-Tory narrative. It’s an incredible decision to have Ed on.”
Fellow GBM host Richard Madeley has appeared to take on more air time as alleged crisis talks unfold.
However, Ed still seems to have support from co-host Susanna Reid, who this “he is an absolute joy” according to insiders.
In response to fierce backlash after Ms Cooper’s interview, ITV’s CEO, Dame Carolyn McCall, said it would not happen again.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference, McCall said: “It was a very, very tricky morning, there was a national emergency almost being called, and so we got very short notice that the Home Secretary was coming on the show.
“She was doing a whole round [of interviews], but it was unexpected, and we believe that it was fair and impartial.
“And actually, Ofcom just ruled, but amazingly no one has picked up on the fact, that they are not pursuing these complaints, because they believe it’s fair, balanced and impartial.
“So, would we do it again? No. Was it impartial, fair and balanced? And did they behave professionally? Yes.”
Ed took over from Piers Morgan when he sensationally quit the show in 2021 over allegations surrounding Meghan Markle.
He refused to apologise for questioning the Duchess’ mental health had been affected by her time within the Royal Family.
Sources said Ed has “proven himself” since stepping up as a temporary replacement.
But his marriage to a politician is “a huge problem” and “the worry is that it will all end in tears”.
Ed Balls’ team were contacted for comment.
Susanna Reid thinks Ed is ‘an absolute joy’ to work with, sources claimed[/caption]
Yvette and Ed tied the knot in 1998 and share three children together[/caption]
