Fright-night frolics are a trick or treat too far, says Susanna
SUSANNA Reid has admitted Halloween makes her anxious and the American influence on the UK has gone too far.
The Good Morning Britain host, 51, launched into an uncharacteristic attack, saying to co-host Richard Madeley: “It’s a tradition that we’ve inherited from America, I get the Halloween thing – but it’s gone bonkers.
Revealing that she prefers not to be home on the night, she added: “I get Halloween anxiety because firstly you’ve got the costumes and they’re getting more and more elaborate. Then you’ve got people knocking at your door, and you’re not sure if they want sweets or money. It’s a bit scary when they want money.”
Fellow presenter Charlotte Hawkins then told how her husband answers the door in a Halloween mask to scare the children on October 31. Susanna laughed and admitted she has a “no cold callers” sign on her front door in a bid to ward off people.
She followed up her on-screen comments on social media saying: “Who else turns the lights off and pretends they aren’t home? From the costumes to the amount of sweets to the demands for money, I’d rather not answer the door. Sorry kids!”
Many fans took to Twitter to rally behind Susanna. Viewer Sheena Young said: “We always go out for early dinner on Halloween. I love kids but this is not my thing at all and it’s more commercialised than ever.”
Lorraine Hancock said: “In our village, we have a request respected by kids and accompanying adults, that if they don’t see pumpkins by front doors or windows, then they are asked not to knock. Never had problems.”