Good Morning Britain's Ed Balls branded 'rude' by fans as he calls co-star 'podgy'

Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls left his co-stars shocked after making a comment about Charlotte Hawkins' weight.

The presenter, 58, has previously sparked controversy over fiery clashes on the ITV daytime programme, however, this time, his fellow GMB stars were left warning him.

As Melvin Odoom wrapped up the showbiz segment on Tuesday morning, Ed and Charlotte were delighted to see an old video of one of her earliest TV appearances.

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She'd been in a fashion segment on This Morning and exclaimed, "There's a reason why people don't see that."

"Has Charlotte aged well or badly?" Ed asked viewers.

He then said, "I think you've aged beautifully, you almost look younger now than then."

"Back then, you were a bit more podgy," he said, gesturing around his face and chin.

As Charlotte laughed it off, Melvin warned, "Ed, move on!"

"Did Ed really just say Charlotte looked fat when she was younger? Has he looked in the mirror lately? He's so rude," one astounded viewer wrote.

Another said: "He’ll be up in front of the producers for that quip."

Charlotte has been a regular presenter on GMB since 2020, presenting the news segments and often stepping in for Susanna Reid.

Earlier this year, she stunned her followers by revealing she was 50 years old, as she was supported by fans and co-stars after announcing her plans for a book, saying that with "50 years on this earth fast approaching", it felt like "the right time to try to make [her] childhood dream a reality".

“You’d definitely write best-selling FICTION because no way are you 50??!!??? Can’t wait to read the book and celebrate with you – happy birthday, gorgeous!!!!” Kate Garraway commented.

One fan said, "Happy birthday, Charlotte. You do not look 50. Have a fabulous day, and many happy returns for Friday."

“I'm sure you'll be a literary success, 50! You still look 30,” someone else said.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.