ITV Good Morning Britain viewers were today left taken aback to find Ben Shephard presenting. Ben was in the ITV studio with co host Susanna Reid from 6am til 9am.

Fans were left confused after Ed Balls was replaced by the show - having presented just one day. Mr Balls hosted on Monday, only for Ben to step in on Tuesday.

Richard Madeley has been absent from the past two shows, after a backlash to his comments about dentistry last week. During today's broadcast, the two hosts revealed the show had received "complaints" from viewers over the introduction of Christmas trees to the studio at the beginning of the week.

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Addressing the controversy, Ben asked: "How can it ever be too early for Christmas?" S usanna replied: "Well, some people think it is. I was sent complaints yesterday online... because of the Christmas trees."

"It isn't yet advent so it isn't yet Christmas. What on earth are we thinking here in the Good Morning Britain studio?" Defending the decision to put the Christmas decorations up in November, Ben added: "But it's been a pretty rubbish year.

"It's been a little bit tough on everybody. Why not bring a bit of cheer early? Why can't we enjoy them for a little bit longer and get them up in the studio like our very understated options?"

Gail wrote on Twitter: "My days off this year fall Xmas eve and day, Boxing day and the Tuesday, if and it's a big if I put my tree up it'll be Xmas eve and it'll be down for Tuesday, lost hubby 7 years ago so no interest not much fun on your own, if people want to put their tree/decs up then let them.." But Danny T said: "Whatever happened to the tradition of 12 days before Christmas before putting the Christmas decorations up in the home,and taking them down 12 days after christmas. "Seasons greetings" displayed on town halls rather than "Merry Christmas" takes away the meaning of Celebration."

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