Good Morning Britain viewers were left fuming after host Ed Balls appeared to ‘smirk’ during a heart-wrenching report about the Los Angeles wildfires, with some even claiming they had ‘switched off’ the show.

More than 20 square miles have been razed to the ground in less than 48 hours after the biggest blaze in the city’s history, leading to the deaths of at least five people.

During Thursday’s instalment of the ITV programme, Ed, 57, and co-host Ranvir Singh, 47, discussed the horrific fires several times, including after the break at 7am.

In the segment, the former Labour MP asked US correspondent Ross King: ‘How does it affect how you feel about your safety today?’

The reporter said: ‘The pictures are difficult to watch when you’re right here in the middle of it. It’s the most destructive fire in LA history – at the moment there’s about 10 fires going on. The one that’s very close to me is the Runyon Canyon, which is referred to as the Sunset Fire and is just a couple of miles away.’

But eagle-eyed viewers spotted Ed’s facial expression change slightly when he posed the question, with some accusing him of ‘smirking’.

Good Morning Britain viewers were left fuming after host Ed Balls appeared to ‘smirk’ during a heart-wrenching report about the Los Angeles wildfires

In the segment, the former Labour MP asked US correspondent Ross King: ‘How does it affect how you feel about your safety today?’

More than 20 square miles have been razed to the ground in less than 48 hours after the biggest blaze in the city’s history

One X user said: ‘Watching the devastation of the LA fires and Ed Balls is smirking whilst delivering this news on GMB. Very confused. Sending thoughts to everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.’

Another posted: ‘Why does Ed Balls look like he’s smirking and trying not to laugh when reading the news?’

A third added: ‘Why does Ed Balls always look like he is about to p*** himself laughing when discussing serious topics? Very unprofessional.’

Another user said: ‘Could Ed Balls look any less sympathetic to the fires in LA he looked positively delighted! Need to work on your sad face Ed!’

One viewer posted: ‘Why does Ed Balls always have a grin on his face when reading horrific headline news?? Just now re: LA fires and on Monday when discussing the boys who died in a car crash. I am sure it’s not on purpose but very off putting.’

A sixth incensed user added: ‘Ed Balls finds it impossible to be impartial. He was also almost smiling introducing this LA fire piece. Weird.’

Another said: ‘Why is Ed Balls grinning and smirking whilst telling us many have lost their homes in the fires? Someone needs to give him lessons in public speaking.’

A perfect storm of overgrown vegetation, dry conditions and uncharacteristic winds were responsible for whipping up the most devastating wildfire the City of Angels has ever seen.

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted Ed’s facial expression change slightly when he posed the question, with some accusing him of ‘smirking’

Experts say that heavy rains from El Niño last year fueled vegetation growth in the Los Angeles area, which had since dried out and become highly flammable.

Once the flames ignited, SoCal was battered by ‘devil winds’, formally known as Santa Ana winds – warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the region’s interior toward the coast, unlike the usual winds which come in from the Pacific and blow cooler, more moist air inland.

As of Thursday morning, the largest inferno has consumed nearly 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) in the picturesque Pacific Palisades neighborhood that is home to many film, television and music stars.

At least five people have lost their lives in the disaster so far, with 2,000 structures obliterated and thousands of people left with nothing but ash across the city.

The death toll is expected to rise as police and fire services prepare to deploy K-9 units trained to sniff out human remains.

More than 130,000 people are still under evacuation orders in Southern California as several notable TV, film and music stars took to social media to announce they had lost their homes.

Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, James Woods, Billy Crystal and his wife Janice all claimed to have seen their homes go up in smoke in the Palisades Fire.