SUSANNA Reid returned to Good Morning Britain today after cutting her two-week break short to pay tribute to Prince Philip.
The broadcaster has been on her annual Easter holiday from the show when news broke of the Duke of Edinburgh‘s passing aged 99 on Friday.
Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
In light of the royal’s passing, Susanna said it was an “honour” to be back on screens today alongside her co-host Kate Garraway for today’s show, which was dedicated to the Duke of Edinburgh.
She began: “Today of course, remembering, honouring and celebrating the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
“And it’s an honour to be here early this morning to be able to do that beside you Kate”.
Addressing Susanna’s early return, Kate, 53, said: “You were meant to be on holiday weren’t you?”
To which, the TV star, 50, responded: “Yes, but it’s a very special occasion”.
Former I’m A Celeb star, continued: “Very special moment where everybody wants to mark the moment and everyone’s had thoughts over the weekend I think about that”.
Susanna then added it was great to be back with Kate after she announced her husband Derek Draper had returned home following his devastating Covid battle.
Susanna announced she would be off screens for a while after bowing out of the show early on Wednesday, March 31.
At the time, her co-host Ranvir Singh revealed Susanna wouldn’t be returning until after the Easter break, which usually lasts for two-weeks.
And since she doesn’t appear on Fridays, Susanna would have been scheduled to return to screens on Monday, April 19.
At the time, Strictly star Ranvir, 43, said: “Right, that’s it from us. You’re off from tomorrow, aren’t you?”
Susanna replied: “I am. I’m off for a little break at Easter.”
In what sounded like a reference to the drama that has engulfed the show in recent weeks, Ranvir added: “A well-earned one, we might say.”
Piers Morgan quit as Susanna’s co-star rather than apologise for saying he didn’t believe Meghan Markle as his ITV bosses had asked.
His shock departure came on the same day he clashed with the show’s weather presenter Alex Beresford over his comments – resulting in the 55-year-old host storming off the set.
The Celeb Report revealed last month that TV bosses now plan to build the show around Susanna as they continue to rotate their current roster of staff for the next six months.
GMB has had to put up with some rocky ratings after 55-year-old Piers left the show – having beaten rivals BBC Breakfast for the first time on his final day.
Elsewhere, the Duke of Edinburgh, who had been married to the Queen for 73 years and described as her constant strength, passed away “peacefully” on Friday morning at Windsor Castle.
A statement released by the Royal Family read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
The royal passed away two months and one day short of what would have been his 100th birthday.
Prince Philip has been one of the hardest-working royals – since 1952 he attended 22,219 solo engagements and 637 overseas tours in a career marked by his famous gaffes, wit and wisdom.
