Susanna Reid was forced to pause Good Morning Britain to issue an amusing on-air correction after receiving a message from her former co-star Ben Shephard. 

The unexpected interruption came after Susanna made an error regarding Ben’s golf handicap, 

prompting a swift response from the This Morning presenter, who was less than pleased with the mistake.

Susanna’s Golf Gaffe Sparks Ben’s ‘Fuming’ Response

During Monday morning’s (February 26) edition of Good Morning Britain, 

Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley were joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, who was discussing his new golf-themed podcast. 

While chatting about the sport, Susanna brought up her close friend and former GMB co-host Ben Shephard, attempting to recall his golf handicap.

After Richard inquired about Ben’s handicap, Susanna speculated: “Is it about 15?”

While it may have seemed like a casual remark, it didn’t take long for Ben himself to hear the broadcast and set the record straight. Later in the show, Susanna received a message directly from her former colleague, prompting her to stop the program to read it aloud.

“Ben Shephard has got in touch,” she announced to viewers.

Quoting Ben’s response, she read: “‘I expect a correction. I play golf off seven, not 15 – which has taken a lot of pain and tears and swearing. I am fuming downstairs, downstairs,’ says Ben.”

The moment sparked laughter in the studio, with Lorraine Kelly—who was sitting on the GMB sofa ahead of her own show—asking: “Was that when you were talking to Anton Du Beke?”

Richard Madeley quickly confirmed before jokingly adding: “Yes. Don’t sue us.”

Susanna, playing along with the lighthearted moment, laughed: “We impugned his golf handicap, didn’t we? The record is corrected—don’t sue us, Ben Shephard.”

Ben Shephard’s Transition to This Morning

Ben Shephard was a longtime staple on Good Morning Britain, co-hosting alongside Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway for several years before making a major career move in 2024. He departed GMB and transitioned to hosting This Morning alongside Cat Deeley.

Since joining This Morning, Ben has embraced his new role, but he has maintained close friendships with his former colleagues on GMB. His quick response to Susanna’s mistake shows that he is still keeping a close eye on the show—and isn’t afraid to demand accuracy when it comes to his sporting skills!

Anton Du Beke Breaks Silence on Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Future

In addition to the golf discussion, Anton Du Beke also addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice.

During his interview, Richard Madeley seized the opportunity to ask Anton about reports regarding Giovanni’s return to Strictly following allegations of inappropriate behavior.

“It’s been reported that you personally would welcome Giovanni Pernice back onto Strictly,” Richard began. “We know that the BBC upheld six bullying complaints against him, didn’t uphold others, but you would welcome him back. That’s sticking your head above the parapet. Why would you do that?”

Anton, clearly hoping to focus on his golf podcast, responded carefully: “That’s a very good question. I’d prefer to be talking about the golf.”

However, he went on to express his support for Giovanni, highlighting the dancer’s recent success in Italy: “I was delighted for Giovanni this autumn because he went over to Italy and did the Strictly Come Dancing there, and he won with the brilliant Bianca [actress Bianca Guaccero]. He was delighted to win that, and we’re going off on tour this summer, so I’ll be seeing him when we go back out on the road.”

Anton continued: “I love being on stage with him and performing with him, and I’ve known him a long time. We’ve got a wonderful company as well, so all in all, it’s a great show.”

While Anton remained diplomatic, his comments indicated that he still values his professional relationship with Giovanni and is eager to continue working alongside him.

A Morning of Lighthearted and Serious Moments

Monday’s Good Morning Britain offered viewers a mix of humor and serious conversation, from Susanna’s playful exchange with Ben Shephard to Anton Du Beke’s cautious remarks on Giovanni Pernice.

While Ben may have been “fuming” over the inaccurate golf claim, the incident served as a fun reminder of the camaraderie between the GMB team—past and present. And with Anton navigating questions about Strictly, the interview left audiences with plenty to think about regarding the future of the hit BBC dance show.

As always, Good Morning Britain delivered its signature mix of news, entertainment, and unscripted moments, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.

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