Good Morning Britain’s end-of-show debate proved contentious with viewers on Tuesday’s (February 27) show as they posed the question: “Should audience members be banned from taking a toilet break during shows?” The subject arose after it emerged comedian Frankie Boyle has banned audience members who leave during his show to use the bathroom from returning to the auditorium, claiming it is highly disruptive as it means, “Everybody in your row has to stand up”.
Hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley welcomed comedian Kane Brown and author Anna Mae Mangan to the show to discuss the topic and viewers were firmly on the writer’s side as she said using the bathroom was a “human right” while Kane said it rankled him at shows and even suggested that pregnant women and those with health issues should sit at the very back so as not to disturb others. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans shared their thoughts.
@BrightonTina7 cited health reasons saying: “#GMB As someone whose bladder is a problem after having had bladder cancer, I have every right to use the loo when I need to because I’ve paid to be there! And I’d need the loo at least twice in a 90-minute show!”
@StuartSmudge concurred, writing: “Trust me, when you have had a kidney transplant, you celebrate every time you go for a p*** holding it is not going to do you any good either. Use it as part of your act, have some fun with it when people go.”
@chris_cyber didn’t see the problem commenting: “Errm it’s why most shows, well all comedy performances I have been to have an interval so you get to the loo. I have never seen anyone get annoyed at anyone going to the toilet.”
@Lucy99556080 pointed out: “It’s human nature you have to go to the toilet. People won’t buy tickets if you can’t go to the toilet it’s ridiculous.”
@AllyFothers was also oppossed to the idea writing: “No, that’s daft and probably illegal! Now perhaps theatres need to do more about disruptive talking audience members before worrying about those escaping for a wee!”
However @Dowhatworksonly was in favour of a ban saying: “You get breaks, you are an adult. Go to the toilet before or after the set or dont come.”
The debate came just a few weeks after Richard Madeley made his own admission about getting caught short although his incident happened when he was driving in the country.
During a discussion about making urinating in the woods illegal he revealed: “I’ve done it [peed] once in a rural layby.
“At about half past ten at night, pitch dark, no street lighting it was way out in the country.
“I was desperate to go to the loo. I just sort of popped out, went around the side of the car and had a wee,” he admitted as co-host Susanna cringed and covered her face with her hand.
Good Morning Britain is on ITV on weekdays at 6am.