Viewers mock GMB’s ‘cramped’ and ‘cheap’ new studio as presenters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid have to lean back to talk to guests on small desk

Good Morning Britain has opened a new studio, where audiences were mocked for appearing so small that presenters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid had to lean back from guests.

The program returned to the airwaves today, including an interview with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, but viewers have responded positively to the new look.

Co-host Mr Balls, a former Labor shadow chancellor, posted on X: ‘New Year, New Studio – We’re going on GMB in 2026!’

But in response there was harsh criticism, with one post stating: ‘ITV is cutting screenings on the new set.

‘It’s too small, looks cheap and people sit on top of each other.’

Another commenter said: ‘The problem with the small studio is that when there are four people at the table everyone leans out to look directly at those around them while talking.

‘Unfortunately, in the single-camera shot it looks like we’re constantly looking at human leaning towers.’

Mr Balls was also asked: ‘Have you changed everyone in the gallery too? Terrible camera angles, cameras cutting to the wrong shot.’

GMB presenter Ed Balls shares photo with Susanna Reid in his new studio

GMB viewers were left stunned when the show was axed from the schedule last week amid major redundancies and a studio move.

Viewers were confused when the program disappeared from their screens, with one social media user asking: ‘Where is GMB this morning?’

Another wrote: ‘Pretty pathetic to be cut off for two days. Do you think there is no news at the beginning of January? It’s really sad!’

On GMB’s previous show on December 31, Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh told viewers they would return in 2026 on January 5, in a different studio and with different producers (ITN).

‘This is our last show in 2025 with the best team on television here, and our last show in the studio as we move to a new home in the New Year,’ the presenters said.

‘GMB returns on Monday 5 January and we hope to see you then. ‘From the entire presenting team we would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped with this show, thank you very much.’

The show’s hiatus comes amid budget cuts that include the loss of 220 jobs and a reshuffle that will see GMB regulars such as Charlotte Hawkins present other programs such as ITV News.

The breakfast show will move from Television Center to ITN headquarters in central London, while other ITV daytime programs will be filmed at The H Club in Covent Garden.

Viewers who were unimpressed with the new look noted that the co-presenters were leaning back

This is what the Good Morning Britain studio looked like before its latest revamp

Ed Balls and Susanna Reid return to present ITV breakfast show for the first time in 2026

Hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh signed on last week while helming the show.

Last month GMB staff were said to be furious at having to bring their own breakfast to work as ITV budget cuts squeezed the budget.

The presenters are among ITV staff who have been told their new workspaces will not have toasters to cook breakfast as the show moves to ITN studios.

Susanna Reid is thought to be among the show’s stars who attended a meeting this week where staff were informed the machines were banned for health and safety reasons.

An insider told The Sun: ‘There’s a riot at Good Morning Britain HQ.

‘As the new office’s kitchen is in a basement with no windows or natural light, smoke from the toaster poses a serious health hazard.

‘Everyone is going to have to start bringing their Tupperware boxed breakfasts.’

The Daily Mail has approached ITV for comment.