ITV GMB's Ed Balls asked 'how much are you paid' over 'out of touch' second-hand dig

Ed Balls was hit with complaints as he made "out of touch" comments about second hand items on Good Morning Britain. The presenter and his co-star, Susanna Reid, discussed how more and more criminals are selling fake goods online through second hand market places.

They welcomed on a guest who had been a victim of buying counterfeit goods by mistake and Phil Lewis, the director general of the . Between them, they discussed what kind of items are in circulation, how to look out for them and what the police can do about it.

But Ed incited complaints from the as he made some "out of touch" comments about why people would want to buy second hand. He asked the guest: "Do you enjoy wearing other people's shoes?"

He also asked "Why would you buy a second hand ? That someone else has worn, with their toes indented in the sole? I've never understood this vintage stuff."

Posting to X/Twitter, one fan fumed: "The fact that @susannareid100 had to correct her useless co-presenter, as he tried to humiliate the guest, shows how out of touch he is with every day struggles."

Another penned: "What a pathetic reaction from Dead Ed Balls 'who would buy second hand shoes'. He's so far removed from the majority of the population who have to watch what money they spend and rely on second hand shoes/clothes absolute plank."

A third wrote: "Ed balls turning his nose up at second hand shoes....p***k! Not everyone gets paid stupid money to sit on their arse spouting crap!!! #gmb." With another echoing: " Ed Balls turning his nose up at 2nd hand shoes on Vinted. Aye it's ok when you can afford them on a TV presenters salary mate. This man is a [clown emoji] #GMB."

While Ed Balls' exact salary from remains undisclosed, he is believed to have a net worth estimated between £2.4million and £4.1million.

Before transitioning to a role in television, Ed was widely recognized for his service as the Secretary of State for Children, Schools, and Families from 2007 to 2010 during the tenure of the former government, where he was instrumental in shaping education policy.