GB News viewers baffled over Andrew Neil’s fleeting appearance on Nigel Farage’s show after quitting as chair

Neil appeared on Farage’s show shortly after announcing his resignation (Picture: GB News)

GB News viewers have expressed their bewilderment after Andrew Neil made an extremely fleeting appearance on Nigel Farage’s show on the channel less than two hours after it emerged that he had quit as chair.

In a statement released by GB News today, it was announced that Neil, 72, had stepped down as chairman and host of his primetime show.

He will remain a part of the news channel as a regular guest commentator, making his first appearance in his new role at 7pm on Farage’s programme.

Neil failed to address his exit during his stint, which only lasted until around quarter past.

Several viewers were left utterly perplexed by how short his appearance was, with one person tweeting: ‘THAT WAS IT?? 13 MINUTES???? #GBNews.’

Someone else remarked that Neil was ‘on air for about five minutes’, while another shared their confusion over the fact that he would be on GB News just after disclosing his resignation from his former positions.

Another viewer explained that they found it strange that there was ‘no mention’ whatsoever of Neil’s resignation, with Neil and Farage instead discussing China’s potential influence on British universities.

‘Nigel Farage interviews @afneil on @GBNEWS – about China. No mention of Neil’s resignation. It’s a strange way to treat your viewers,’ they wrote.

At the end of Neil’s interview, Farage told viewers that he will be returning to the show next week.

When Neil announced his decision to step down as chair of GB News and presenter of his show, he said that he ‘concluded it’s time to reduce my commitments on a number of fronts’.

‘Over the summer I’ve had time to reflect on my extensive portfolio of interests and decided it was time to cut back,’ he said in a statement.

‘I wish GB News well in continuing to fulfil its founding promise and mission to reach audiences currently underserved by existing news broadcasters.’

GB News added: ‘Andrew is without doubt one of the finest journalists and interviewers in this country. GB News thanks him for his 12 months of leadership, wisdom and advice and we wish him well.’

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Several GB News presenters paid tribute to Neil, with Alastair Stewart tweeting: ‘‘I am so very sorry that @afneil is stepping back from his original roles but I am delighted he’ll still be doing stuff for @GBNEWS.

‘I will miss not having him around as much – as a friend, mentor and master broadcaster.’

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