ITV GMB faces backlash over host's 'unprofessional' outfit to announce Pope's death

received backlash from viewers over the programme's announcement of the Pope Francis' death. On Monday (April 21), the show - which was hosted by Christine Lampard - was cut short to cross over to its sister programme, where announced the sad news.

The 47-year-old returned to the airwaves with her co-host Richard Madeley, but this time the broadcaster had layered a black jacket over her white floral dress. However, viewers thought her new attire looked "ill-fitting" and "unprofessional" as they flooded to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their complaints online. Many complained that the blazer didn't cover her summery dress, with some claiming that the jacket could have been loaned by her co-star Madeley.

One user penned: "Very unprofessional. Would've been better if you'd just gone to the ITV newsroom rather than GMB and see Ranvir in a clearly ill-fitting jacket loaned to her by Richard. Especially with such breaking news."

Another agreed: "They put Ranvir in one of Rivhard's suit jackets to read the Pope has died on @gmb" while a third commented: "Bit OTT making Ranvir wear a black jacket #gmb."

After they broke the news on the show, Lorraine was dramatically cut short by Chistine as the presenter revealed the Pope had died at the age of 88, with Cardinal Kevin Ferrell announcing the sad news at 7.30am.

Christine was halfway through the interview with Pilgrimage star Harry Clark when she was forced to interrupt him for the breaking news. Lorraine was then takin off air, with Ranvir and Richard taking over to announce that Pope Francis had died.

They told viewers: "Christine, thank you so much. As you say, we do have some breaking news from Rome. The Vatican has just announced the death of Pope Francis."

Richard then read out the statement from Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, which read: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the one and Triune God."

Pope Francis had suffered with several health issues over the last few months as he was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in the heart of Rome for bronchitis treatment in February.

Paying tribute to the pontiff on Easter Monday, a whole host of celebrities sent their condolences, including actors Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Longoria, and Antonio Banderas.

Whoopi was one of the first to react to the news and alongside an image of her standing next to the Pope, she wrote: "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and non-believer. He felt more like Pope Jon the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Francis with your love of humanity & laughter."

Meanwhile, Spanish star Antonio, penned: "Pope Francisco has died - a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people @franciscus #RIP #DEP."

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays form 6am on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.