ITV Good Morning Britain host abruptly walks off ITV set while live on air

There was a bit of a stir on Good Morning Britain when Ed Balls mysteriously vanished just as guest Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for the Home Department, came on air to discuss Labour's latest stance on migrant policies.

Kate Garraway was left to handle the interview solo on the ITV programme after her co-presenter went AWOL. The 58-year-old didn't miss a beat, diving straight into the tough questions as the show resumed post-ad break.

She kicked off with: "Now, the first illegal migrants that will be returned to France under the 'one in, one out' deal are set to be detained within days, but critics say it will barely scratch the surface when 25,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year."

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She continued: "The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, joins us now. Can you just clear up when this is coming in? I think the Home Office told us yesterday it was today, but I believe on another broadcaster, you said it was actually tomorrow. Can we just clarify that quickly, first of all?"

Yvette confirmed Kate's information, stating that the treaty is indeed being laid out today, along with the immigration rules that support it.

"That means, in practice, they come into force tomorrow and that means that we can start detaining people within a matter of days," she clarified, reports the Express.

Kate highlighted the concerning statistics, noting that 50 individuals per week are being sent back, commenting: "It is a proverbial drop in the ocean and no deterrent at all."

Yvette explained that the intention is for the figures to initially be modest and then increase, as this is "the nature of it being a new deal".

Ed's absence during the interview with Yvette, his wife, follows previous backlash he received for conducting interviews with her on air, which viewers criticised as "biased".

After the segment, Good Morning Britain transitioned to a commercial break, returning with Ed resuming his presenting role. Kate addressed his earlier departure, stating: "Ed, of course, removed himself during our interview with the Home Secretary because he is married to her."

Viewers at home didn't miss the opportunity to make light of the situation. One viewer humorously posted on X: "Ed's popped off for a cuppa to make it look like he's not Yvette's husband #gmb."

Another viewer quipped: "Ed you can come from under the desk now #gmb," and a third chimed in with praise: " #GMB lovely cosy interview with Ed's wife the Home Secretary this morning. Well done Kate, they're probably having dinner together tonight."

Good Morning Britain airs on ITV1 at 6am on weekdays