On the morning of April 21, 2025, the world awoke to the somber news of Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88, a moment that sent ripples of grief across the globe. As news outlets scrambled to cover the passing of the first Latin American pontiff, ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy. Host Ranvir Singh, tasked with delivering the breaking news alongside co-host Richard Madeley, was forced into a rapid outfit change as a mark of respect for the late Pope. What was intended as a gesture of solemnity quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with viewers labeling the move “unprofessional” and “ill-fitting.” This article explores the events leading to the outfit change, the public’s reaction, and the broader context of Pope Francis’s legacy, which underscores why this moment resonated so deeply.
The Breaking News and the Outfit Change
The announcement of Pope Francis’s death came at 7:35 AM Vatican time, as confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. The Vatican’s statement, read live on air by GMB hosts, described the Pope’s life as one “dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” emphasizing his commitment to the marginalized and his embodiment of Gospel values. The news interrupted ITV’s regular programming, with Lorraine, hosted by Christine Lampard, abruptly cut short during an interview with Pilgrimage star Harry Clark. Lampard handed over to GMB, where Singh and Madeley took the helm to deliver the somber update.
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Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh was forced into a very hasty outfit change as a mark of respect to Pope Francis after his death on Monday
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Lorraine, hosted by Christine Lampard , was cut short for ITV to report on the breaking news that Pope Francis had passed away aged 88 – Ranvir pictured before the announcement
Earlier that morning, Ranvir Singh had been seen on air wearing a vibrant white dress adorned with colorful fruit patterns—a summery ensemble typical of GMB’s lively morning format. However, as the gravity of the Pope’s passing became clear, Singh quickly layered a dark blazer over her dress, presumably to adopt a more somber appearance befitting the occasion. The decision mirrored protocols seen in past broadcasts, such as when news anchors donned darker attire to announce Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022. Richard Madeley also appeared in a dark suit, aligning with the tone of the announcement.
The outfit change, however, did not go unnoticed. The blazer, which some speculated was borrowed from Madeley or a colleague, appeared ill-fitting, failing to fully conceal the bright dress underneath. Social media, particularly X, erupted with viewer reactions. One user posted, “Very unprofessional. Would’ve been better if you’d just gone to the ITV newsroom rather than GMB, and see Ranvir in a clearly ill-fitting jacket loaned to her by Richard.” Another quipped, “They put Ranvir in one of Richard’s suit jackets to read the Pope has died @gmb,” while a third called the move “a bit OTT.” The criticism centered on the perceived lack of preparedness and the distraction caused by the visible contrast between the blazer and the dress.
Context of the Outfit Change: Broadcasting Norms and Respect
The decision to change outfits reflects a longstanding tradition in broadcast journalism, where attire is adjusted to match the tone of significant events. Dark, muted clothing is often adopted for announcements of death or tragedy, signaling respect and aligning with cultural expectations of mourning. This practice is not unique to GMB; for instance, in 2023, GMB host Susanna Reid was forced to alter her outfit mid-show after her pink dress blended into the background and a subsequent red dress was deemed too “racy” for morning television. Such incidents highlight the scrutiny broadcasters face over their appearance, particularly during high-stakes moments.
In this case, the rapid shift to a darker blazer was likely a spontaneous decision made in the heat of breaking news. GMB extended its broadcast beyond its usual 9 AM endpoint, preempting Lorraine to provide continuous coverage, which may have left little time for wardrobe planning. The choice to layer a blazer rather than change entirely suggests a compromise between urgency and decorum. However, the execution drew criticism, with viewers arguing that a fully coordinated outfit or a transition to ITV’s dedicated newsroom would have been more polished.
The backlash also raises questions about fairness in public scrutiny. Ranvir Singh, a seasoned journalist known for her professionalism, was delivering one of the most significant news stories of the day. Yet, the focus on her attire underscores the intense pressure placed on female broadcasters, whose appearance often attracts disproportionate commentary compared to their male counterparts. This incident echoes broader discussions about gender dynamics in media, where women are frequently judged on aesthetics alongside their journalistic competence.
Many viewers noticed the outfit change and some called it ‘unprofessional’, sharing their views on social media
Pope Francis’s Death: A Global Loss
The outfit controversy, while attention-grabbing, risks overshadowing the profound significance of Pope Francis’s passing. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was elected in 2013 as the 266th pontiff, becoming the first Jesuit and non-European Pope in over a millennium. His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He chose to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the lavish papal apartments, carried his own bag, and famously eschewed bulletproof Popemobiles, declaring, “I cannot greet people from inside a sardine can.” His actions—washing the feet of inmates, dining with the homeless, and advocating for migrants—earned him the moniker “the People’s Pope.”
Francis’s reforms were bold and often polarizing. He tackled the Catholic Church’s clerical sex abuse crisis by revising church laws and urged action against offending clerics, though critics argued he fell short in supporting victims. He allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, a historic shift that alienated conservative Catholics, and championed climate action through his encyclical Laudato Si’, influencing the Paris Agreement. His outreach to marginalized communities, including visits to war-torn regions like Iraq, cemented his reputation as a global advocate for peace.
The Pope’s health had been a concern in recent years. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for five weeks with bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, requiring oxygen therapy. Despite doctors prescribing two months of rest, Francis continued limited public appearances, including a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla in early April and a brief encounter with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday. His final public appearance, blessing crowds from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square, occurred just a day before his death from a stroke and cardiac arrest.
Global Reactions and Tributes
The announcement of Francis’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from world leaders and celebrities. U.S. President Donald Trump, despite past clashes with Francis over immigration, announced he would attend the funeral and ordered flags flown at half-staff. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who once called Francis “the devil’s representative,” mourned him as a man of “goodness and wisdom.” French President Emmanuel Macron praised his humility, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “a great shepherd.” Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, who met Francis multiple times, lauded his compassion, writing, “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non-believer.”
In Rome, mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Square and St. John Lateran, the seat of the Bishop of Rome. Pilgrims, some unaware of the news upon arriving, prayed somberly as the reality sank in. The Vatican announced that Francis’s body would be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing as early as Wednesday, April 23, with his funeral expected between Friday and Sunday. In a break from tradition, Francis requested burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, reflecting his desire for simplicity.
The Controversy in Perspective
The GMB outfit controversy, while a fleeting moment, highlights the challenges of live broadcasting during global events. The criticism of Ranvir Singh’s attire, though harsh, reflects viewers’ heightened emotions during a moment of collective mourning. For some, the ill-fitting blazer symbolized a lack of gravitas; for others, it was an inconsequential detail in the face of a historic loss. The incident also underscores the cultural weight of Pope Francis’s death, which prompted immediate action—however imperfect—from media outlets worldwide.
As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new Pope, the world reflects on Francis’s legacy of compassion and reform. The GMB episode, with its blend of solemnity and unintended controversy, serves as a microcosm of the global response: a mix of reverence, scrutiny, and human imperfection. For Ranvir Singh and the GMB team, the moment was a reminder of the relentless pace of live news, where even well-intentioned gestures can spark debate. For viewers, it was a fleeting distraction from the profound loss of a leader who reshaped the Catholic Church and touched countless lives.
