Good Morning Britain halted for Ed Balls announcement as co-stars pay tribute

Ed Balls was supported live on air today by his co-star Susanna Reid as the pair presented Wednesday morning's episode of Good Morning Britain. The 58-year-old ITV host was congratulated by his peers as it was announced that he had won a very special award.

Susanna explained that he had been honoured with a Lifetime Ambassador Award for advocating for support for people who stammer. As she was talking Ed comically pulled the award gong out from under the desk and began to polish the glass on it, making it gleam under the studio lights. "Congratulations," Susanna said before adding, "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."

Ed then opened up as he said: "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 turned the moment a bit more light-hearted as he joked: "And you could even end up like me, being able to - well, sort of being able to read an autocue!"

The presenting panel laughed among 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."

Fans at home also shared their support, with one writing on X/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 said: "Congrats @edballs, well deserved. You are a role model and inspiration for many," while a third added: "Absolutely well done, Congratulations Ed Balls."

In a 2011 interview with The Times, Ed first disclosed his battle with a stammer as he explained how he had to memorise all his speeches due to difficulty reading from a script. However, he wasn't formally diagnosed with the condition until he was 41.

He said 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."