Susanna Reid has publicly responded to a wave of criticism from viewers after the debut of the newly downsized studio for Good Morning Britain, but many fans of the programme remain unconvinced by her defense. The breakfast show returned on Monday following the Christmas break, revealing a noticeably smaller set that immediately sparked debate across social media platforms.
The veteran presenter, 55, returned to the desk alongside co-host Ed Balls for the first broadcast of 2026. However, it was not the news agenda that dominated conversation that morning, but rather the physical closeness between presenters and guests. Viewers quickly observed that the new studio layout placed Susanna and her guests much closer together than before, creating what many described as an awkward and cramped atmosphere on screen.
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, in large numbers to mock and criticize the new setup. Several viewers pointed out that Susanna appeared to lean backwards when interviewing guests, seemingly to compensate for the reduced space. One of the most talked-about moments involved an interview with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, where the proximity between host and guest became particularly noticeable.
In response to the growing criticism, Susanna addressed viewers directly on social media. Writing on X after the complaints began to pour in, she attempted to put a positive spin on the situation. “New studio = big headlines!” she wrote. “More than happy to be closer to our brilliant guests…” Her comment suggested that she viewed the intimacy of the new setup as a benefit rather than a drawback.
Despite her attempt to shut down the negativity, the response from viewers was swift and largely unsympathetic. Many replied directly to Susanna’s post, making it clear they were not fans of the new look. One user commented bluntly, “Not loving it, sorry. Looks too cramped and uncomfortable…” Another echoed the sentiment, saying the studio felt restrictive and visually unappealing.
Additional criticism focused on the aesthetics of the set. Some viewers took issue with the London skyline backdrop, describing it as looking like a poor-quality printed image rather than a polished broadcast background. Others mocked the logo on the front of the desk, with one viewer claiming it looked “like a cheap sticker.” Comparisons to the previous studio were common, with many insisting the old setup was far superior in both scale and comfort.
Ed Balls also shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the new studio on social media ahead of the broadcast, captioning it, “New Year, New Studio – we’re off on GMB in 2026!” While the post was meant to generate excitement, it instead prompted further criticism. One viewer replied that the new set made ITV’s budget cuts painfully obvious, describing it as small, cheap-looking, and uncomfortable, with people appearing to be “sitting on top of each other.”
Some viewers offered more detailed critiques, noting how the reduced space affected on-screen dynamics. One comment pointed out that when four people are seated at the desk, everyone seems to lean outward while speaking to maintain eye contact, which looks awkward in a single-camera shot. The viewer joked that it resembled “human leaning towers,” highlighting how the layout disrupted the natural flow of conversation.
The criticism did not stop at the physical design. Several viewers questioned the technical execution of the show, suggesting that camera angles were poorly chosen and that cuts between shots were mistimed. One commenter even asked whether the production team in the gallery had been replaced, citing “awful camera angles” and cameras cutting to the wrong shots during live segments.
The backlash came after a period of confusion for viewers, as Good Morning Britain had disappeared from ITV’s schedule for several days the previous week. Many fans were left baffled, taking to social media to ask why the show was not airing. Some expressed frustration, questioning how a major news programme could go off air at a time when there was still plenty of news to report.
During the final broadcast of 2025 on December 31, presenters Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh had informed viewers that the programme would return on January 5 from a different studio and with a new production arrangement involving ITN. They thanked viewers and staff, marking the end of an era for the show’s former home.
The studio change is part of wider restructuring and budget cuts at ITV, which have included the loss of around 220 jobs and a reshuffling of presenting roles. Some familiar faces from GMB, such as Charlotte Hawkins, are now presenting other ITV programmes, including ITV News bulletins.
As part of the changes, Good Morning Britain has moved from Television Centre to ITN headquarters in central London. Meanwhile, other ITV daytime shows, including Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, are relocating to The H Club in Covent Garden. The new facility will house multiple shows in a shared space, using a 360-degree set with LED walls and a single gallery, allowing for quick turnarounds between programmes.
Behind the scenes, reports have suggested growing frustration among staff. Last year, it was claimed that employees were told they would need to bring in their own breakfasts due to budget restrictions, as the new workspace would not include toasters. According to reports, this decision was linked to health and safety concerns, as the kitchen is located in a basement with limited ventilation.
An insider reportedly described the mood at GMB headquarters as close to mutiny, claiming that staff were unhappy with the conditions and the lack of basic amenities. Susanna Reid was said to be among those who attended a meeting where staff were informed of the restrictions.
Despite the controversy, ITV executives have defended the move, emphasizing efficiency and innovation. Emma Gormley, managing director at ITV Studios Daytime, stated that the new studios would allow for more cutting-edge production techniques while maintaining a familiar look and feel for viewers. She thanked staff for their dedication during a period of transformation across the industry.
For now, however, viewer reaction suggests that the new Good Morning Britain studio has yet to win over its audience. While Susanna Reid may be comfortable with the changes, many fans remain critical, arguing that the cramped space and altered visuals detract from the show’s professionalism and warmth. Whether ITV will respond to the feedback or stand by the redesign remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the new studio has become a talking point that refuses to fade quietly into the background.