Good Morning Britain returned today on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 for special coverage of VE Day’s 80th anniversary.
However, eagle eyed fans noticed regular Monday host Susanna Reid was missing from the show, with her co-star Ranvir Singh stepping in as a relief presenter.
Ranvir joined Ed Balls in the ITV studio to speak about today’s celebrations, which will see King Charles and Queen Camilla greet crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the military parade takes place.
A few fans of Good Morning Britain who noticed the presenting shake-up took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their reactions.
One shared their appreciation for relief host Ranvir and regular presenter Ed, writing: “Ed and Ranvir? My word we are being spoiled today.”
Meanwhile, another viewer was less positive, sarcastically complaining: “Susanna needs another day off!”
Introducing today’s show, Ranvir told viewers: “Welcome to this programme. It’s a very special day because we are giving very special coverage of this week’s VE Day celebrations.
“King Charles and Queen Camilla will lead the nation today, giving thanks to wartime heroes and marking the 80th anniversary of victory for Europe and the end of World War Two.”
During the show, Ed and Ranvir spoke to several brave men and women who remember the history day, which marked the formal end of World War II.
They also cut to footage of the Mall in London, where crowds excitedly wait to see the procession, which will be followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft.
World War Two veterans will view the moving event from the Queen Victoria Memorial, alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Meanwhile, London’s Cenotaph will be the centre of quiet reflection, with Union Flags echoing its introduction in 1920 to honour the soldiers of the First World War.
Onlookers can also expect to see the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows, with the famous red, white and blue smoke trails lighting up the sky.
A Voyager transport aircraft, part of a fleet extensively used in the UK’s support for Ukraine, will also be visible during the event.
Speaking about the parade and ceremony, Ranvir remarked: “These things give me goosebumps.”
Other news on the show today included coverage of the arrests of eight men in connection to two separate terrorism investigations.
Seven Iranian nationals are among the eight men who were arrested this weekend, with the Met saying the arrests were related to a “suspected plot to target a specific premises”.
The police released a statement, which read: “Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Counter-terrorism policing, supported by police and colleagues from across the country, have conducted arrests in two really significant operations, both of which have been designed to keep the public safe from threats.
“There are several hundred officers and staff working on this investigation, and we will work very hard to ensure we understand the threats to the wider public.”
He also asked the public to “avoid speculation and some of the things that are being posted online”.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.