Garraway asks for ‘racist’ puppet to be removed during GMB

Kate Garraway asked a guest to put away a puppet that was likened to a black and white minstrel as she felt “uncomfortable” having it on the Good Morning Britain news desk.

Children’s entertainer Brian Llewellyn appeared on the programme to defend traditional Punch and Judy puppet shows, and discuss whether they may be adapted for modern society.

In the midst of the heated discussion, which also saw Garraway’s co-host Charlotte Hawkins and guest Trisha Goddard airing their views, Garraway became increasingly bothered by one of Mr Llewellyn’s puppets.

Holding up the puppet Mr Llewellyn said: “This has been the character since 1662.”

TV presenter Goddard replied: “So were the black and white minstrels.”

“You say it’s a minstrel, I say it’s a black singer,” Mr Llewellyn replied, as Garraway said it was “offensive to many people”.

Goddard: “Why has he got white around his mouth? Why don’t you take that away?”

He said: “It’s like, why does Mr Punch have a red nose? It was just the paint...”

Garraway said that it was of its time, “which we now feel is racist”.

Mr Llewellyn said that “it’s only this last couple of weeks that this has actually been mentioned” to him, before Garraway said: “Can I just say, Brian, it’s actually making me feel slightly uncomfortable, you having it there.

“If you don’t mind putting it down?”

She added: “I don’t think it’s right that we should have it on the show.”

Mr Llewellyn said he will be “painting his lips differently” from now on.