This Morning star hit with backlash over insensitive April Fool’s Day joke

Georgina Burnett surprised her followers this morning with what appeared to be a pregnancy announcement – only for it to turn out to be an April Fools’ joke. The This Morning presenter, known for her expertise in home improvement and upcycling, posted a black-and-white image on Instagram showing her cradling what looked like a baby bump under her jumper.

With her face partially hidden by her dark hair, she simply captioned the post “news!” and shared it on her Instagram Story, directing fans to click for more details. However, given the timing – April 1 – many of her followers were quick to question whether the announcement was genuine. Georgina later confirmed it was a prank by responding to comments with a wink emoji.

While some saw the humor in her post, others weren’t amused, calling out the joke as insensitive. One person criticized the move, commenting: “Not funny if this is an April Fool’s joke.” Pregnancy-related pranks have often sparked backlash, as they can be hurtful to those struggling with fertility issues.

Georgina’s April Fools Day prank went down like a led balloon

Georgina’s stunt comes after a similar controversy in 2022, when Kerry Katona faced intense criticism for a fake pregnancy announcement on April Fools’ Day.

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The former Atomic Kitten singer later apologized, explaining that the joke had been intended for her close friends but was accidentally posted on her public account. A spokesperson for Kerry clarified: “She sincerely apologizes to anyone who was offended and would never intentionally post something to upset people.”

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Despite the potential for controversy, Georgina went ahead with her prank, though many of her followers saw through it right away. Some played along, joking: “You’re going to be a Michael Jackson impressionist – Shamon!” and “April Fool’s, Georgina! You actually look great pregnant!” Others commented: “I almost fell for it!” and “I had to check the date first – good one!”

Beyond her social media antics, Georgina has also been navigating personal changes. On Valentine’s Day 2023, she revealed that she had separated from her husband, Andy Flawn, after more than two decades together. Sharing the update on social media, she made it clear that she wasn’t looking for sympathy but was instead focusing on the next chapter of her life as a single mother.

Georgina Burnett surprised her followers this morning with what appeared to be a pregnancy announcement(Image: Sharps/PA)

“It’s time for me to share some personal news,” she wrote. “Something I’ve been dealing with this past year is my marriage splitting up. Never easy for anyone, especially the kids, but don’t worry – I’m not alone today, and I’m excited about my next, happier chapter.”

Rather than dwelling on the past, Georgina emphasized her desire to move forward, playfully adding: “So no pity party, please – I just want to talk about skirting boards today. Which one would you go for?”