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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Susanna Reid forced to explain Ben Shephard's early appearance on Good Morning Britain as fans complain over 'cringeworthy' scenes

Susanna Reid was left issuing an explanation after viewers were left confused tuning in to Good Morning Britain. The ITV news programme was back on air on Monday morning (February 6) with Susanna back at the helm.

Usually, the presenter is joined by the likes of Richard Madeley and Ed Balls due to the ever-changing male hosting line-up on the show following Piers Morgan's exit almost two years ago. Susanna hosts the show from Monday through to Thursday, where she is then joined by Ben Shephard before Kate Garraway joins Ben for the last show of the week.

But it was all change on Monday as Tipping Point star Ben made an early appearance. Susanna admitted that it was confusing hosting with Ben on a Monday rather than a Thursday but explained the real reason he was drafted in three days early and it was because of one of the show's latest guests.

READ MORE: Holly Willoughby issues warning just before ITV This Morning appearance

It turns out that Daisy May Cooper is a huge fan of Ben's and after she was unmasked as Otter on The Maskes Singer on Saturday night, GMB bosses wanted to get Ben and Daisy together on-screen for the first time. "She's [Daisy] going to meet you for the very first time," Susanna remarked.

"Which is why you're here on a Monday, confusing everybody thinking it's a Thursday." Ben joked it felt like meeting Daisy on GMB felt rather like going on a "public Tinder date". He said: "I feel like the most public Tinder date ever, this," leaving Susanna looking shocked and excited in equal measure.

Ben joked his wife Annie wouldn't find out about the interview, or 'date', as she was taking their two boys to school. Asked by Susanna if his wife knew, he replied: "She doesn't. She'll be busy trying to get the boys to school, don't worry about that."

Ben isn't usually seen hosting the show on a Monday (ITV)

But Ben then had to wait all the way until the end of the show to get face-to-face with This Country star Daisy, who even dedicated her recent book to Ben because he is "fit". Before their first-ever interaction, Susanna said: "She's in the dressing room at the moment. Daisy of course has a massive crush on Ben Shephard."

"Well, massive?" Ben humbly asked, to which Susanna shut him down, reminding him that 36-year-old comedian and actress had dedicated her entire autobiography to him. She was seen backstage wrapping herself in a blanket that had been covered in Ben's face whilst also writing 'Daisy loves Ben' in lipstick on the mirror.

Later in the show, with Whitney Houston's hit 'I Will Always Love You' being blasted through the studio, The Masked Singer star Daisy was escorted to the set, running onto the set still donning the blanket adorned with pictures of Ben's face. Reaching in for a hug whilst both seemingly holding back the tears, Ben jokingly asked producers: "Can we just have a moment? Can we go to a break whilst we take this moment?"

Daisy May Cooper is a big fan of Ben's (ITV)

He then told the star: "You're shaking, Daisy!" Sitting down later in the show to chat with hosts, mum-of-one Daisy, 36, told Ben she believes he's the "most beautiful man in the world". Ben told her: "It's taken a long time for us to meet properly, Daisy. You've had a huge influence and impact on my life since you professed your affections for me."

Susanna then asked: "When did this all start?" to which Daisy replied: "When I was sort-of younger, I think. You were on my television and I've never looked back since. You are the most beautiful man in the world." She then joked: "You're chiselled from marble!" she joked to which Ben replied: "Do you think so? That's really lovely!"

But not all GMB viewers were a fan of the gushing scenes. @WarrenPeace_75 tweeted: "How is this Daisy May Cooper/Ben Sheppard thing being allowed to happen? It's incredibly cringeworthy #GMB." @mostlystupid fumed; "This is a f*****g car crash #GMB." @Lennybow added: "Is #GMB broadcast for adults? It’s embarrassing..."

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