GMB slammed for 'mean' spelling challenge against Child Genius star, 14, on Christmas Eve

Good Morning Britain was blasted earlier today over their spelling challenge against Child Genius star Rahul Doshi, 14.

The ITV programme was accused of "not feeling the Christmas spirit" after Rahul struggled with the challenge live on air.

Rahul had appeared on the show today to promote Child Genius' upcoming Christmas special and was challenged to spell a number of words against entertainment editor Richard Arnold.

However some fans claimed that the programme gave Richard easier words to spell.

First up, Richard had to spell eczema , which he did so successfully. Meanwhile Rahul had to spell Chihuahua, which he was unable to do.

Richard Arnold was up against Child Genius star Rahul Doshi in a spelling challenge (ITV)

GMB viewers claimed that Rahul had harder words to spell (ITV)

Asked whether he would have known the spelling for the dog breed, Richard said that he would have.

He quipped: "I don't want us to fall out over this!"

The presenter then had to spell palaver and mellifluous, doing so correctly. Meanwhile Rahul successfully spelt tricky word viridescent and was unable to spell the last, incredibly difficult word.

Co-star Adhil Ray pointed out: "I think we've given Richard some easy ones."

And viewers definitely agreed.

Angered viewers flocked to Twitter (ITV)

One tweeted: "@GMB was that a joke spelling bee? richard arnolds words were much easier! if that wasnt a joke (on richard) i will complain to television standards because thats kind of mean."

Another agreed, writing: "Richards words were slightly easier That was a bit mean #gmb."

A third fumed: "Pointless segment apart from build Richards already inflated ego and destroy the confidence of the young lad. Merry Xmas producers... #gmb."

"Giving all the easy ones to Richard #GMB," another quipped.

One suggested: "They’ve set him up good and proper #GMB."

While another wrote: "Well Done #GMB try to make a 12 y/o genius feel bad on Christmas eve. Do a segment on paying to attend church and talk about returning things and buying them at the sale price... I see the Christmas spirit is strong with you."

Meanwhile others fell in love with Rahul, branding him "sweet".

One tweeting: "Awwwwww #GMB This little child genius is very sweet! They’re usually cocky little devils! #ChildGenius."

Another wrote: "Bless him! #GMB."

*Good Morning Britain returns on Friday at 6am on ITV