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Kate and Adil supported the centenarian(Image: ITV)

Good Morning Britain received hundreds of complaints following an emotional interview that left viewers in tears.

During last Friday’s programme, hosted by Adil Ray and Kate Garraway, World War II veteran Alec Penstone appeared on the show to share his wartime experiences.

The 100-year-old had joined the Navy as a teenager, having assisted with moving casualties during the Blitz when he was just 15 years old.

He modestly began: “I can’t see anything that I’ve done, especially that wouldn’t have been done by other people of my generation.”

He described himself as “just one of the lucky ones,” as he was “still alive,” whilst Kate described Alec as “extraordinary,” reports Wales Online.

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An interview on Good Morning Britain sparked hundreds of complaints(Image: ITV)

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Alec recounted taking part in the D-Day landings and honoured his own father, who had fought in the First World War.

As the segment drew to a close, Kate asked Alec: “What does Remembrance Sunday mean for you? What is your message?”

He solemnly responded: “My message is, I can see in my mind’s eye the rows and rows of white stones of all the hundreds of my friends and everybody else that gave their lives for what?

“The country of today. No, I’m sorry, the sacrifice wasn’t worth the result that it is now.”

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Kate Garraway and Adil Ray presented the show(Image: ITV)

Adil then enquired: “What do you mean by that, though?”

Alec went on: “What we fought for, and what we fought for, was our freedom.

“We find that even now it’s downright worse than when I fought for it.”

Kate had to conclude the interview at that moment, saying, “Oh, I’m sorry you feel like that.”

She continued: “I want you to know that all the generations that have come since, including me and my children, are so grateful for your bravery and all that for service personnel.

“And it’s our job now, isn’t it, to make it the country that you fought for – you absolutely fought for.”

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GMB has been hit with hundreds of complaints(Image: ITV)

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Alec responded, “It’s so wonderful to know there are people like you who can spread the word around. The younger generation.”

Following the interview and Adil’s question, Ofcom received 452 complaints, with a spokesperson confirming the majority related to “the presenters’ handling of an interview of WW2 veteran Alec Penstone”.

One viewer took to X after it aired, writing: “Never felt more shame than listening to the 100-year-old veteran on #GMB brought a tear to my eye. This is what should be on the front page of every newspaper!”

“Can we get Alec on every day?” another said.

A third wrote: “Alex. A true hero. Well said, sir. He should be given all the airtime he needs.”

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The interview left viewers in tears(Image: ITV)

Another added: “Bless him! Give that gentleman as much airtime as he wants! Let him keep chatting!”

Someone else said, “I teared up watching this. Alec may as well be my Granddad sitting there, likely saying the same thing. Fought and died for what? We’re bereft of leaders.”

However, one viewer said, “This is the worst thing I have ever seen.”

Another asked: “Why was Adil trying to start an argument there?”

Someone else added: “This is utterly depressing, and he’s absolutely right. I don’t know what else to say.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.