GMB's Ed Balls in tears as he shares 'struggle' and asks for hug from co-star

Good Morning Britain viewers witnessed a particularly moving moment as host Ed Balls was visibly moved to tears during an intimate chat with Gareth Gates on live television.

During the emotionally charged segment on Tuesday (July 9), Ed, caught up in the memories, welled up as he discussed the pairs' shared experience battling stutters. A heartfelt embrace live on-air ensued between the two, with co-host Susanna Reid warmly observing the powerful exchange.

In the poignant flashback, an emotional Ed confided: "You inspired me. I thought, 'If Gareth Gates can do this, I can too. And if he can be public, I can be public too. It was really hard, but I did it because you showed me how to do it."

Gareth, touched by the admission, responded affectionately: "Thank you for saying that, it means a lot," before blessing his fellow struggler with a "God bless you, man."

Struggling to hold back tears, all Ed could muster was a heartfelt nod as Susanna chimed in, expressing her sense of privilege at sharing the moment and offering comfort with a supportive touch. Overcome with emotion, Ed asked for a hug, to which she replied compassionately: "Aww! I feel like... can we have a hug?", reports the Mirror.

The supportive Susanna reassured both men, affirming: "Nothing to be ashamed of. It's to be proud of it's part of your identity, isn't it! [Gareth] broke the ground for you, didn't he, Ed? There we go, Gareth, that's what you did."

In a moment of vulnerability, Gareth himself became teary-eyed as he told Ed: "You're a role model for me now! For you to be doing this is really incredible."

The original segment was broadcast in November 2023, but this week Gareth returned to the show to discuss his stammer with Ed. Ed shared: "I had a call a few weeks ago from the newly elected mayor of North Yorkshire, David Skaith, who's had a stammer all his life."

"His stammer came out during his first interview, and I said to him, 'Look at Gareth, you've got to talk about it'. He's in Downing Street this morning with a stammer, and he is going to be another role model for young people."

"You can become an elected mayor with a stammer. You can be Pop Idol winner, the winner of Celebrity SAS. All of these things are possible with a stammer! " Ed concluded, as Gareth added: "You can also present every morning live on television, Ed, and I applaud you too!"

Ed confessed that he relies on the autocue to help him, admitting he's "almost always" okay using that method.

Social media users were moved by Ed and Gareth's honesty, with one turning to X to say: "Ed Balls getting emotional!", while another pleaded: "No hugs between Ed Balls and Gareth Gates, why? No crying, why?!"

Another person commented: "I don't have a stammer, or know anyone with one, but I can imagine how many people Gareth is inspiring by just raising awareness and showing people that you can still succeed in anything you want to do."