Articles by Dan Laurie,Gemma Jones

Technology

Good Morning Britain's Ed Balls supported by co-stars as he shares announcement on air

Ed Balls received backing live on air today from co-presenter Susanna Reid as the duo fronted Wednesday morning's Good Morning Britain programme. The 58-year-old ITV presenter was praised by colleagues after it was revealed he had scooped a prestigious accolade. Susanna revealed that he had been recognised with a Lifetime Ambassador Award for championing support for those who stammer. Whilst she spoke, Ed playfully retrieved the award trophy from beneath the desk and started buffing the glass surface, making it sparkle beneath the studio lighting. "Congratulations," Susanna remarked before continuing, "I have to say, you do do so much to inspire people, particularly young people, I would say, but also older people who can't open up about the fact that they have a stammer. "You are very open about it, despite the fact for years in your professional life, you could barely admit to yourself that you had a stammer.", reports the Express . Ed then shared his thoughts as he explained: "I was told if you talk about it, it'll make a difference. The award is partly for having gotten the support as an adult, but I also think it's for spreading a message. "That's what we do from time to time on Good Morning Britain, we say it's ok to talk about it. If you ask for help and you get it, it will make a difference." He then made the moment more cheerful as he quipped: "And you could even end up like me, being able to - well, sort of being able to read an autocue!" The presenting panel chuckled amongst themselves before regular show guest, Kevin Maguire, added: "This is where it is really important, where people can see someone like them who has overcome whatever, done well and prospered. It's being a role model. Well done." Viewers at home also rallied behind him, with one posting on X, formerly known as Twitter ,: "Well done, Ed! Always knew you had it in you-now don't go getting too fancy on us! How's it feel to be the talk of the town?". Another commented: "Congrats @edballs, well deserved. You are a role model and inspiration for many," whilst a third chimed in: "Absolutely well done, Congratulations Ed Balls." During a 2011 chat with The Times, Ed first revealed his struggle with a stammer as he detailed how he had to learn all his speeches by heart due to problems reading from a script. However, he wasn't officially diagnosed with the condition until he reached 41. He revealed at the time: "The worst thing you can do is try and stop it. That's when you trip up. It happens to me on live TV. "Some people speak without notes because they think it looks better. Some people do it because they think it leads to a better speech. But I can't read the words out." Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am