Good Morning Britain faced backlash on Thursday as Adil Ray returned to co-host the ITV breakfast programme alongside Ranvir Singh. Viewers took to social media to express their displeasure, with some saying they switched off upon seeing the presenter.
Viewers react angrily to Adil Ray's return
Ray, who had not been on air for "quite a while", joined Singh to present the day's headlines. Last week, he confirmed on Instagram that he would be hosting on Thursdays throughout July and August. He wrote: "Some news! Yes I have not been on in a while but glad to be on a little over the coming weeks, on what remains one the most important shows on UK television, during the most important of times."
However, fans were not happy. One viewer posted on X/Twitter: "Switched on, saw that Adil Ray was on, switched off." Another echoed: "Sorry. Had to turn over today. Adil 'Fake Laugh' Ray is NOT a news presenter and it's only a matter of time before he talks racism."
A third said: "@GMB just switched on, then off again. Can’t bear Adil Ray!!!!!" A fourth wrote: "They've dragged the odious Adil Ray back out of where ever he was hiding. #gmb."
Previous controversy over Sharia law comments
Ray faced backlash in November when he posted support for New York's newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and appeared to back Sharia law for the city. He shared on X on November 5: "Some say Mamdani may implement Sharia Law. He might. The heart of Sharia law is social justice, welfare, fairness, charity and cohesion."
He added: "Most Muslim countries operate a hybrid of Sharia and civil law, and are slowly reforming and abandoning unethical practices despite the West's portrayal."
In a follow-up post on November 7, Ray clarified: "To clarify, I am not actually suggesting Mamdani would implement Sharia law. But many of the issues he campaigned for are also some of the positive values of Sharia that Muslims try to live by. Something many of us would agree on."
Ray also expressed gratitude for his return, saying: "So many others have left the traditional outlets, so I am fortunate and grateful of the continued opportunity. And of course I aim to reflect us all, especially the Villa fans."
