ITV viewers were left feeling ‘sad’ after Good Morning Britain shared an insight into the amount of dogs in the care of the RSPCA

Ed Balls and Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain (Image: ITV)

Good Morning Britain returned to TV screens on Thursday (4 September) with Kate Garraway and Ed Balls at the helm of the ITV programm

The presenting duo brought viewers all of the headlines and news updates, including the latest in politics, while Richard Arnold was on hand to update GMB fans on everything in the entertainment world.

One news segment focused on the work of the RSPCA, with GMB correspondent Nick Dixon reporting live from one of the organisation’s branches based in Aylesbury.

He sadly shared the number of dogs currently in the care of the RSPCA is the highest on record, following many large-scale cruelty and neglect cases. The number is now over double what is was during the pandemic.

“It’s still, for the most part, the cost of living crisis that’s having a huge impact on the numbers of dogs ending up in these kind of rescue centres,” Nick began by explaining.

GMB correspondent Nick Dixon reported live from an RSPCA branch in Aylesbury (Image: ITV)

He continued: “But, in the case of the RSPCA, they’ve had a huge number of calls over the summer from the public reporting incidents of cruelty and neglect as well.

“They’ve been taking in so many dogs that they’re actually spending hundreds of thousands of pounds just getting extra kennel space, and private boarding space for dogs. They’re pretty much full here, but there are more dogs coming in today.”

Nick proceeded to chat to a RSPCA worker at the Aylesbury branch about the amount of dogs the organisation is receiving, while the camera panned around the kennels to show the severity of the situation.

GMB viewers at home were left upset by the news segment, with many insisting more should be done to help the animals and stop the cruelty that has been occurring.

“This is heartbreaking news,” one TV viewer wrote on X, while a second said: “There should be extremely severe punishments for people who are cruel to defenceless animals. Only a monster could commit such cruelty.”

The scenes left GMB viewers ‘heartbroken’ and ‘sad’ (Image: ITV)

A third insisted: “People that breed dogs are having to do more who they sell or give dogs to. Also the owners who mistreat their animals need locking up not the animal.”

Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: “This is very sad. I know of so-called animal lovers who go abroad to help other countries and their abandoned animals, will bring them back ,legally, but don’t even think about what is happening to our animals.”

Another branded the news “heartbreaking”, insisting that dogs deserve a “loving home” rather than a “life of misery”.

On Thursday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, viewers were left reeling after the programme aired a heartbreaking health update about global superstar Celine Dion. The Canadian singer, beloved for her soaring vocals and timeless ballads, has been battling the rare and debilitating condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome. As the latest announcement was shared live, social media lit up with responses from fans who described the news as “cruel” and “heartbreaking.”

Susanna Reid, who fronted the segment, appeared visibly emotional as she spoke about Dion’s courage and the devastating toll the illness has taken on her ability to perform. She reflected on the singer’s decades-long career, acknowledging how deeply woven her music is into the lives of millions. Viewers watching at home were quick to echo those sentiments, with many saying they felt shocked and saddened by the update. One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “This is heartbreaking news. Celine has given the world so much joy—it’s cruel that she’s going through this.”

The cruel nature of the illness, which affects approximately one in a million people, struck a chord with fans. The condition causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness, severely restricting movement and, in Dion’s case, affecting her vocal cords. For someone whose identity and career have been defined by her voice, the news felt particularly devastating. Another viewer posted: “She’s one of the strongest women in music, but this disease is unforgiving. Praying for her.”

Reid’s emotional delivery resonated strongly with audiences. Many praised her for treating the announcement with sensitivity, balancing the acknowledgment of Dion’s achievements with compassion for her struggles. Social media quickly filled with clips of the segment, alongside heartfelt tributes to Dion. “Watching Susanna Reid break the news made me cry. It feels like the end of an era,” a fan commented.

The announcement also sparked conversations about the importance of awareness. Because Stiff Person Syndrome is so rare, many had never heard of it until Dion revealed her diagnosis. Fans highlighted how her openness has shone a light on the condition, giving visibility to those who suffer in silence. “Celine’s bravery in speaking out is helping others,” one post read. “Even in her darkest moments, she’s making a difference.”

For many, the heartbreak comes not only from concern for Dion’s health but also from the recognition that her future on stage is uncertain. Known for iconic performances ranging from her 1988 Eurovision win to the unforgettable Titanic anthem, Dion has created a legacy unmatched in the industry. Viewers shared their sadness that her career might be cut short, with one remarking: “It feels cruel that one of the greatest voices of all time may never sing live again.”

As the Good Morning Britain segment concluded, the overwhelming mood among viewers was one of sorrow but also admiration. Fans across the globe expressed their gratitude for Dion’s music, which has provided the soundtrack to weddings, heartbreaks, and celebrations alike. In the wake of the announcement, the message was clear: while the news may be cruel and heartbreaking, Celine Dion remains cherished not only as an artist but as a beacon of resilience.