Yahoo News Ed Balls reveals Susanna Reid's kind gesture when he has a 'block' on GMB
The presenter praised Reid for the way she handles his speech condition
Watch Ed Balls reveal Susanna Reid's kind gesture when he has a 'block' on GMB
What did you miss?
Good Morning Britain star Ed Balls has shared how co-host Susanna Reid helps him out when he struggles with his stammer.
The former politician opened up about stuttering as the pair interviewed former Pop Idol winner Gareth Gates - who also suffers from a stammer - on the ITV show on Tuesday (9 July). In a previous interview, Balls told Gates he had inspired him when it came to speaking out about his battle with the speech condition and they shared a tearful hug.
On Tuesday's show, Balls praised Reid, revealing her kind gesture towards him if he has a "block" when they are hosting together.
What, how and why?
The trio were discussing how many people who stammer don't want their sentences finished for them but want listeners to be patient with them.
Turning to Reid, Balls said: "Between me and Susanna, because every now and then I will have a bit of a block and it's momentary, But I know that you now know that when that happens you just wait, and then we carry on. The instinct is, 'Oh my gosh he's in trouble, should I jump in?' And that ends up being destabilising."
'It can be very frustrating.'
Gareth Gates and @edballs explain how people can best support others living with the stammer. pic.twitter.com/82JsmxZIi3— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 9, 2024
"Susanna is brilliant at it," he went on. "Because she can see it and read it.
"And that is what teachers need to do, it's what mums and dads learn to do. It's what we all need."
Gates agreed: "Yes, absolutely. I always like to mention my speech. And the more that we spread it, the more people are aware of it and give people more time."
Ed Balls and Gareth Gates' bond
Balls interviewed Gates on Good Morning Britain in November 2023, and they both became emotional as they bonded over their speech struggles. The broadcaster addressed his own speech struggles and told how the singer had helped him to deal with it.
“You inspired me," he said, as his eyes filled with tears. "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.”
Gates replied: "Thank you for saying that, it means a lot. God bless you, man."
Reid also looked moved and suggested that the pair had a hug. "Thank you," Balls told the star.
