ITV's flagship morning programme, Good Morning Britain, sparked significant viewer anger on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, after choosing to lead its broadcast with a sensational report on the Beckham family feud.
Beckham Bombshell Dominates GMB Headlines
Host Ed Balls introduced a segment detailing the latest development in the ongoing rift between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria. The update followed an explosive social media statement posted by Brooklyn on the evening of Monday, 19 January 2026.
Speaking to the show's showbiz reporter, Jonathan Swain, Balls set the tone, remarking, "We have to stress, we haven't yet heard David and Victoria's side of things, but I guess all dynasties eventually come to an end and this is a major blow."
Swain elaborated on the significance, noting that the Beckham brand had been built on a foundation of family unity, which now appeared shattered. "Unity has underpinned the brand, but not anymore as Brooklyn has done his best to rip the family apart with a scathing attack," he stated during the report.
Audience Fury Over News Priorities
As the segment aired, viewers took to social media to express their frustration, questioning the editorial decision to prioritise celebrity gossip over pressing global and national issues.
One disgruntled viewer posted: "Showbiz news if you must, but seriously, this is your top story this morning?" Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "With all that’s going on in the world, GMB has Brooklyn Beckham as the No. 1 news story."
The criticism was widespread, with a third commenter adding, "If you didn't think GMB couldn't get any worse in the new year, think again. With all the troubles in the world, the lead story on GMB is Brooklyn Beckham."
Viewers Threaten to 'Turn Off' for Good
The backlash escalated to the point where some loyal viewers declared they were switching channels immediately. One particularly incensed person wrote directly to the show: "@GMB, what the hell!!! Lead story is about a dysfunctional privileged family, who decides that this is the most important news story...turning off and over to a real news channel."
Another critic dismissed the story's news value entirely, stating, "This is not news! People who take offence or feel sorry for these people need to look at themselves in the mirror and rethink their life."
The strong reaction highlights a recurring tension in broadcast journalism between covering popular celebrity culture and maintaining a focus on hard news, a balance that Good Morning Britain failed to strike for many of its audience members on this occasion.
