Rylan Clark fiercely defended by ITV co-star amid immigration rant backlash as fiery on-air clash erupts

Mr Maguire launched into criticism of Mr Clark's immigration remarks made on This Morning the previous week, declaring: "All these terrible myths that Rylan Clark regurgitated, spouted most of them."

Ms Reid immediately interrupted to challenge Maguire's characterisation and defend her ITV colleague, sparking an intense on-air clash between the two.

The exchange quickly escalated as Ms Reid mounted a vigorous defence of Mr Clark, whilst Mr Maguire maintained his stance that the This Morning star had promoted harmful misconceptions about immigration policy.

Ms Reid forcefully countered Mr Maguire's accusations, stating: "Hang on. He pointed out that this country is built on immigration, and he was grateful to all of the migrants who have come to the NHS for helping support his mum."

The presenter emphasised that Mr Clark had expressed legitimate concerns about border security whilst acknowledging immigration's positive impact.

"He was actually concerned, though, that we've got a sort of welcome to the UK, and we don't know who all of these people are," Ms Reid continued.

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She argued that Mr Clark's message resonated with many viewers and stressed: "He did not want it to be an anti-migration message."

Mr Maguire remained unconvinced, responding: "He also regurgitated a load of myths and lies. Let's not ignore that."

Ms Reid defended the government's responsibility to manage immigration effectively, asserting: "I have to say, Kevin, it is the duty of government, as the government itself would acknowledge, that we control borders and we do not just welcome everybody if we don't know who they are."

She maintained that Mr Clark's perspective connected with numerous viewers who shared similar concerns about border management.

The GMB presenter highlighted how Mr Clark had praised healthcare workers from overseas who cared for his mother Linda during her illness earlier this year.

Ms Reid emphasised that Mr Clark's position wasn't anti-immigration but rather focused on the need for proper controls and processes.

She argued his comments reflected legitimate questions about how asylum seekers are processed upon arrival in the UK.

Mr Maguire persisted with his critique, declaring: "Myths and lies have gone mainstream, and we've got to challenge that, we've got to push back on that."

Ms Reid concluded the exchange by referencing broader societal challenges that Mr Clark had raised. "Rylan also pointed out that we also have a homelessness problem, the government itself acknowledges that there's not enough housing," she stated.

The presenter firmly rejected Mr Maguire's characterisation, adding: "So, I just think that to say that what Rylan said was outrageous, regurgitating propaganda [was wrong]."

The debate ended without resolution, with both participants holding firm to their opposing viewpoints on Mr Clark's controversial statements.

Viewers quickly took to social media following the confrontation, with reactions sharply divided over the exchange. "Great work by Susanna Reid putting lefty Mr McGuire back in his box regarding the Rylan Clark issue. I reckon McGuire would rather have an argument than a cooked dinner," one supporter said on X.

And another echoed: "Susanna is clearly in Rylan protection mode for @ITV (rightly). I think he speaks for a lot of people, whether the iPad thing is wrong or not the ILLEGALS arrive illegally and are getting EVERYTHING for FREE! It’s WRONG and we are SICK of it! #GMB."

However, several criticised Ms Reid's defence, including GMB regular Narinder Kaur, who argued: "Just Susanna Reid doubling done on Rylan’s comments and misinformation about asylum seekers on @GMB @itv just because he's a mate and going full throttle with ole 'illegal' tag line just to boot it in.

"Gives Kevin a look and he gets slightly smaller...panellists living in fear of being cancelled on that show is pretty disgusting. No impartiality whatsoever. On the other hand, on behalf of every black and brown community in Britain, thank you @Kevin_Maguire."

And another X user argued: "Thoughts are not facts. That's the biggest problem with what Rylan said. He talked like everything he said was fact without a shred of evidence. He repeated what he had heard, most likely on here or in the Daily Fail #gmb." (sic)

Mr Clark's original This Morning appearance on August 27 had sparked controversy when he questioned how asylum seekers receive hotel accommodation whilst British citizens face strict border controls.

Following the backlash, he released an Instagram statement asserting: "You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes."