Susanna Reid interrupts GMB show to apologise for co-star’s “inappropriate gesture” on air

She swiftly apologised on his behalf

During the ITV news programme, Reid and co-host Richard Madeley spoke to war correspondent John Sweeney - who reported live from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Speaking about the widespread effects of the war on Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, Sweeney recalled meeting a man who had lost both arms and a leg in the conflict.

Doctors had created a unique technology to help the man's muscles control a plastic arm.

Sweeney questioned the man on his thoughts of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Mimicking the gesture the man did, Sweeney made a three-finger salute live on-air, before showing his middle finger to reflect the conversation they had in a health centre.

He said: "And he gave Putin the finger. It made me cry."

Reid quickly apologised to viewers saying: "I understand that you felt, personally, the power of that. We do have to apologise for that gesture on breakfast television. It's still considered a highly offensive gesture, John, and of course, there are children watching."

Sweeney added: "I'm very sorry, Susanna, I'm an old war reporter, sometimes I forget where I am."

Madeley praised Sweeney for apologising before Reid said: "We know you're in the middle of a war-torn country in Ukraine and sometimes, of course, strong things are said, John."

Viewers were quick to share their thoughts on social media with on sarcastically saying on X: "@GMB #GMB Incredible! Putin and his stooge Trump are trying to get their grubby hands on Ukraine, and all you can do is get worked up over a hand gesture!! Get real!!"

A second said: "Prim & proper Susanna Reid tells off John Sweeney over a Ukrainian soldier who had lost multiple limbs in the war for using his prosthetic hand to make a 'finger gesture'."