Good Morning Britain star defends decision not to wear a poppy after viewers ‘switch off’.l
On Tuesday’s instalment of Good Morning Britain, journalist Kevin Maguire addressed his decision not to wear a poppy on the show.
Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins was quick to highlight that guest journalist Kevin Maguire was not wearing a poppy on the show.
After the panel had wrapped up speaking about the latest headlines, the ITV presenter decided to address the subject as many viewers aired their frustrations.
She said: “Just before we go, Kevin, viewers have noticed that you’re not wearing a poppy. I know this is something we’ve addressed in previous years but would you like to explain your decision, why you don’t wear a poppy?”
Kevin jokingly replied: “We haven’t had Halloween yet!”
However, he highlighted how many people in his family had fought in the war and how members continued to serve in the forces.
Charlotte addressed Kevin not wearing a poppy on the show (Image: ITV)
He added: “If I wear a poppy, I always make a donation. If I wear a poppy I’ll wear it in the week of Remembrance Sunday, not before. That’s what I do, it’s become elongated now and the ‘poppy police’ every year go around pointing the finger.”
Kevin told viewers that if they were to go into their workplace, most people wouldn’t be wearing a poppy.
He added: “It’s not because they’re disrespectful, it’s that they’ll have a different tradition of when they wear them or if they wear them.”
However, Andrew Pierce, who was also on the programme, didn’t hold back on sharing his thoughts about Kevin’s decision.
Kevin revealed he’d wear a poppy the week of Remembrance Day (Image: ITV)
He said: “I disagree. I think you should wear it as early as possible to promote it, to make people aware of it and to pay tribute. As early as possible.”
Poking fun as Andrew, Keving joked if he had that outlook you could wear it all year around. He replied: “You can have poppy pyjamas and a duvet if you want.”
Andrew informed Charlotte and Ed Balls that he’ll be wearing a “very special” poppy instead of the one he was currently wearing on Wednesday’s show.
Charlotte added: “We’re glad you cleared that up.”
It wasn’t long before viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the discussion, with many having mixed views on the matter.
Charlotte highlighted many viewers noticed Kevin wasn’t wearing a poppy (Image: ITV)
On Monday’s show, Kevin was also seen not wearing a poppy, causing many viewers to switch off. However, it seems as though fans have rushed to defend his decision after his explanation.
One person said: “#gmb Why question if someone has a poppy on or not it’s a personal choice.”
Another commented: “You can’t be asking people why they don’t wear a poppy on live TV. I don’t like that at all #GMB.”
One Twitter user wrote: “It’s ridiculous that everyone on telly is guilt tripped into wearing a poppy, it should be entirely up to the person if and when they choose to wear one, something the poppy police seem to take issue with #gmb.”
Someone else added: ” Why are we asking people why they aren’t wearing a poppy ffs [sic] People are so unbelievably busy now days #GMB”
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.
