Good Morning Britain viewers 'switch off' after 'shambles' interview with Hugh Bonneville

Viewers of Good Morning Britain have threatened to "switch to BBC" following a "shambles" interview with Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville.

The segment, featuring the actor known for his work in Paddington, occurred on Thursday's show (October 31), with Bonneville joining via video link from London's, The Shard. Audiences anticipated the conversation would improve but were unimpressed even after Kate Garraway exclaimed she was "related to the legendary bear".

The interview nosedived further when a clip showing Kate delving into her ancestry and ties with Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington, evoked a tepid reaction from Bonneville.

Kate queried Hugh about Maggie Smith's involvement in Paddington when her role was in Downton Abbey, resulting in Hugh clarifying: "I don't think she was in the Paddington film, she certainly was in Downton."

A red-faced Kate corrected herself with: "Sorry, you're right, it was Downton," reports the Mirror.

Hugh lightened the atmosphere by quipping: "I'm sure she would look very good in a bear outfit, I am sure." Before discussing her "final scenes" in the second Downton Abbey movie.

Criticism didn't just fall on Kate, Ed Balls' peculiar line of questioning also didn't sit well with the online community, with one viewer tweeting their frustration about a remark concerning Paddington and marmalade: "Ed balls asking if paddington took his own supply of marmalade to peru stupid t***** #gmb."

Viewers took to social media calling the interview a complete "shambles" and announcing a switch to a competitor: "This shambles only goes to persuade me that I'm transferring my allegiance to #BBCBreakfast ...#gmb."

One user echoed this sentiment by posting: "#GMB Kate: I'm officially related to Paddington