Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has been criticised for the comments she made about Tourettes syndrome, with some branding it a ‘totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive’ remark
11:03, 23 Feb 2026Updated 11:03, 23 Feb 2026
Susanna and Ed hosted Good Morning Britain today(Image: itv)
Susanna Reid has been slammed by ITV viewers for a “totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive” remark about Tourette syndrome during a discussion on Good Morning Britain.
The presenter has come under fire for comments she made whilst discussing John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner who had his life serialised in new movie I Swear. Actor Robert Aramayo played the role of John in the movie, which he won Best Actor for last night.
Now, Susanna Reid has been criticised for her comments about Tourettes whilst discussing the news. She said that she was still “thinking about the language'” and branded it “completely unacceptable”.
She referenced that people with Tourettes couldn’t control their ticks, but added: “There’s plenty of people watching who say, ‘Why should a racial slur ever be accepted or simply brushed away?'”
Ed then said: ‘There’s two different issues. If this racial slur was said at the awards ceremony, it shouldn’t have been broadcast. The guy who has Tourette’s – apologising for his disability is not fair or right. It’s not in his control. If it was me, I would have bleeped out the racial slur and not had the apology.”
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Susanna added: “But it’s absolutely vital that you apologise for it. A racial slur is always something, presumably, that needs to be apologised for.” Ed then replied: “They ought to have apologised for having it on the programme, but apologising for the gentleman with Tourette’s, you can’t apologise for his disability.”
Fans of the ITV show fumed over Susanna’s comment, with one writing: “The actor in the film regarding Tourette’s wins an award but Susanna states that we need to apologise for the consequence of that disability in real life.” Another added: “You shouldn’t apologise for #TouretteSyndrome, it can’t be helped. You should never apologise for an illness…no one asked to have the illness.”
Yesterday, at the awards, host Alan Cumming addressed the comments. He told the audience: “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
“It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary that means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.”
A BBC spokesperson added: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Sloth is yet to be unmasked on The Masked Singer but one costume designer has revealed how the mystery star ‘almost scared’ the production team backstage on the hit show
23:05, 31 Jan 2026Updated 23:05, 31 Jan 2026
Sloth has made it through to the semi-final of The Masked Singer(Image: ITV)
The Masked Singer’s Sloth has been entertaining audiences for weeks on the hit ITVcompetition series after belting out a string of pop songs but no one is aware of just who is in the costume yet. The secret star is through to the semi-final, but it has emerged now that the performer was so “athletic” backstage, there were concerns raised in the costume department.
Costume designer Tim Simpson, creative director at Plunge Creations, insisted that the line up are always enthusiastic but explained that if they are too energetic, it can be hard on the elaborate outfits that are crafted for the series.
He said: “These performers are really up for it, and they really enjoy it. They’ve seen it enough times to realise that, and probably the word has gone out in the grapevine that if you’re going to get involved in The Masked Singer, then you’re gonna have to really strap in and get fit.‘
“So the word’s gone out, and by the time they arrive on set, or by the time we get to the costumes to them, I think they’re already quite into it.
Speaking to Metro, Tim added: “Sloth, who apparently not just enjoyed the costume, but got to the point where it nearly scared the production team, because they were so physical and so athletic and so keen to be doing yoga and aerobics that we worried for the safety of the costume. The more the performers jump around, the better they look, but the harder it is on the costume.”
Judges Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross and Maya Jama have already thrown a lot of names about as to who could be Sloth, with stars like fitness guru Joe Wicks, TV chef Jamie Oliver, Good Morning Britain’s Ed Balls, Chris Moyles, and Ben Fogle having been thrown into the mix.
So far, stars like Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon, rapper Professor Green and, singer Kate Nash and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke have been unmasked. On Saturday night’s edition of the show, former TV Burp star Harry Hill was revealed to have been performing as Red Panda.
Asked if he enjoyed it, he admitted: “No. Yes of course I enjoyed it! The weird thing is, you put the thing on and you’ve got no inhibitions. The only downside is you’re breathing your own breath because it’s all trapped, and I had falafel for lunch!”
Harry, who has been married to artist Magda Archer since 1996, then revealed after his elimination that it was his wife who inspired him to sign up for the show in the first place.
He said: “I always say to my wife what shall I do? And she said darling you should do it. That’s a holiday! I have just finished a big tour and I was planning to have some time off.
“You have to spend a bit of time learning the words but because you’re in the outfit, you don’t have to spend time thinking about a fancy dance routine or what faces you’re going to pull because it’s all inside [the costume].”
The Masked Singer continues Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITV
Holding back tears, she said she had “loved every minute”, adding: “This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”
Carol went on: “My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”
She concluded: “To those watching and listening at home – thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.”
Carol went on to say she plans on spending more time with her husband Steve, writing her books and travelling, and choked up as she told Sally and Jon: “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in on my Zimmer frame, going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”
Since announcing the news, Carol has been showered in support from fans and friends alike.
Susanna was among those paying tribute on social media, writing: “CAROL KIRKWOOD! The gorgeous force of nature @carolkirkwood is leaving BBC Breakfast. Let me tell you a few things about Carol, having been lucky enough to have worked with her (and shared a hotel room with her on a hen weekend)
“1. I have NEVER seen her in a bad mood. 2. She sends cards EVERY birthday and Christmas. 3. She ALWAYS has a giggle with every viewer who recognises her off air – and everyone does.
“Good luck Carol – enjoy your well-deserved lie-ins. Love you.”
Susanna was a co-presenter on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2014 alongside Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt before she joined Good Morning Britain.
Her post was showered in support, with one follower writing: “Absolutely fabulous picture. Good luck with your new venture, beautiful lovely @carolkirkwood.”
Another said: “What a lovely pair,” as a third added: “This has genuinely been made me sad.”
Former BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker also marked the “end of an era”, as he wrote on X, alongside several pictures with Carol: “I still get asked what Carol is like in real life and she is just the same lovely person you see on the telly.
“She was always so kind, generous and funny on and off screen and she will be hugely missed on @BBCBreakfast
“Throw that alarm clock away Carol. Long may she reign.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Susanna Reid sparks backlash with ‘stupid and dismissive’ Tourette’s comment after BAFTAs
Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has been criticised for the comments she made about Tourettes syndrome, with some branding it a ‘totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive’ remark
11:03, 23 Feb 2026Updated 11:03, 23 Feb 2026
Susanna and Ed hosted Good Morning Britain today(Image: itv)
Susanna Reid has been slammed by ITV viewers for a “totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive” remark about Tourette syndrome during a discussion on Good Morning Britain.
The presenter has come under fire for comments she made whilst discussing John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner who had his life serialised in new movie I Swear. Actor Robert Aramayo played the role of John in the movie, which he won Best Actor for last night.
During the BAFTAs last night, as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, John was heard shouting “shut the f**k up” and “boring” at the actors before using the N-word.
Now, Susanna Reid has been criticised for her comments about Tourettes whilst discussing the news. She said that she was still “thinking about the language'” and branded it “completely unacceptable”.
She referenced that people with Tourettes couldn’t control their ticks, but added: “There’s plenty of people watching who say, ‘Why should a racial slur ever be accepted or simply brushed away?'”
Ed then said: ‘There’s two different issues. If this racial slur was said at the awards ceremony, it shouldn’t have been broadcast. The guy who has Tourette’s – apologising for his disability is not fair or right. It’s not in his control. If it was me, I would have bleeped out the racial slur and not had the apology.”
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Susanna added: “But it’s absolutely vital that you apologise for it. A racial slur is always something, presumably, that needs to be apologised for.” Ed then replied: “They ought to have apologised for having it on the programme, but apologising for the gentleman with Tourette’s, you can’t apologise for his disability.”
Fans of the ITV show fumed over Susanna’s comment, with one writing: “The actor in the film regarding Tourette’s wins an award but Susanna states that we need to apologise for the consequence of that disability in real life.” Another added: “You shouldn’t apologise for #TouretteSyndrome, it can’t be helped. You should never apologise for an illness…no one asked to have the illness.”
Yesterday, at the awards, host Alan Cumming addressed the comments. He told the audience: “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
“It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary that means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.”
A BBC spokesperson added: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
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Masked Singer star worried bosses backstage after unlikely move
Sloth is yet to be unmasked on The Masked Singer but one costume designer has revealed how the mystery star ‘almost scared’ the production team backstage on the hit show
23:05, 31 Jan 2026Updated 23:05, 31 Jan 2026
Sloth has made it through to the semi-final of The Masked Singer(Image: ITV)
The Masked Singer’s Sloth has been entertaining audiences for weeks on the hit ITV competition series after belting out a string of pop songs but no one is aware of just who is in the costume yet. The secret star is through to the semi-final, but it has emerged now that the performer was so “athletic” backstage, there were concerns raised in the costume department.
Costume designer Tim Simpson, creative director at Plunge Creations, insisted that the line up are always enthusiastic but explained that if they are too energetic, it can be hard on the elaborate outfits that are crafted for the series.
He said: “These performers are really up for it, and they really enjoy it. They’ve seen it enough times to realise that, and probably the word has gone out in the grapevine that if you’re going to get involved in The Masked Singer, then you’re gonna have to really strap in and get fit.‘
READ MORE: The Masked Singer Can of Worms’ identity ‘revealed’ as boyband legendREAD MORE: Masked Singer’s Red Panda revealed as TV legend and comedy star
“So the word’s gone out, and by the time they arrive on set, or by the time we get to the costumes to them, I think they’re already quite into it.
Speaking to Metro, Tim added: “Sloth, who apparently not just enjoyed the costume, but got to the point where it nearly scared the production team, because they were so physical and so athletic and so keen to be doing yoga and aerobics that we worried for the safety of the costume. The more the performers jump around, the better they look, but the harder it is on the costume.”
Judges Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross and Maya Jama have already thrown a lot of names about as to who could be Sloth, with stars like fitness guru Joe Wicks, TV chef Jamie Oliver, Good Morning Britain’s Ed Balls, Chris Moyles, and Ben Fogle having been thrown into the mix.
So far, stars like Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon, rapper Professor Green and, singer Kate Nash and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke have been unmasked. On Saturday night’s edition of the show, former TV Burp star Harry Hill was revealed to have been performing as Red Panda.
Earlier in the evening, former X Factor star Olly Murs was revealed as Mole Dommett, who had been working as a sleuth for the competition and appeared on ITV Daytime shows in the build-up to the episode. Upon Harry’s unmasking, he told host Joel Dommett: “I’m not a natural singer, my wife heard me the other day, and she thought I was choking on a Pot Noodle!”
Asked if he enjoyed it, he admitted: “No. Yes of course I enjoyed it! The weird thing is, you put the thing on and you’ve got no inhibitions. The only downside is you’re breathing your own breath because it’s all trapped, and I had falafel for lunch!”
Harry, who has been married to artist Magda Archer since 1996, then revealed after his elimination that it was his wife who inspired him to sign up for the show in the first place.
He said: “I always say to my wife what shall I do? And she said darling you should do it. That’s a holiday! I have just finished a big tour and I was planning to have some time off.
“You have to spend a bit of time learning the words but because you’re in the outfit, you don’t have to spend time thinking about a fancy dance routine or what faces you’re going to pull because it’s all inside [the costume].”
The Masked Singer continues Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITV
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ITV GMB’s Susanna Reid pays tribute to ‘gorgeous’ co-star and friend
The Good Morning Britain presenter was showered in support after posting a touching message to her close friend.
Susanna Reid shared an emotional tribute to her former co-star (Image: ITV)
Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has paid tribute to her close friend Carol Kirkwood, who announced her exit from BBC Breakfast earlier today (Tuesday 27 January).
After joining the BBC in 1998, Carol confirmed she would be leaving the corporation in April, during an emotional interview with Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
Holding back tears, she said she had “loved every minute”, adding: “This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”
Carol went on: “My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”
She concluded: “To those watching and listening at home – thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.”
Carol went on to say she plans on spending more time with her husband Steve, writing her books and travelling, and choked up as she told Sally and Jon: “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in on my Zimmer frame, going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”
Since announcing the news, Carol has been showered in support from fans and friends alike.
Susanna was among those paying tribute on social media, writing: “CAROL KIRKWOOD! The gorgeous force of nature @carolkirkwood is leaving BBC Breakfast. Let me tell you a few things about Carol, having been lucky enough to have worked with her (and shared a hotel room with her on a hen weekend)
“1. I have NEVER seen her in a bad mood. 2. She sends cards EVERY birthday and Christmas. 3. She ALWAYS has a giggle with every viewer who recognises her off air – and everyone does.
“Good luck Carol – enjoy your well-deserved lie-ins. Love you.”
Susanna was a co-presenter on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2014 alongside Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt before she joined Good Morning Britain.
Her post was showered in support, with one follower writing: “Absolutely fabulous picture. Good luck with your new venture, beautiful lovely @carolkirkwood.”
Another said: “What a lovely pair,” as a third added: “This has genuinely been made me sad.”
Former BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker also marked the “end of an era”, as he wrote on X, alongside several pictures with Carol: “I still get asked what Carol is like in real life and she is just the same lovely person you see on the telly.
“She was always so kind, generous and funny on and off screen and she will be hugely missed on @BBCBreakfast
“Throw that alarm clock away Carol. Long may she reign.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
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