Ed Balls takes a break from “Good Morning Britain”.

The politician-turned-broadcaster caused controversy last week when he interviewed his wife and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper about the unrest in Britain, and has now announced he will be taking a break from presenting the ITV breakfast show.

Ed, who moved into broadcasting after losing the 2015 general election while competing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, wrote on Instagram: “What better way to celebrate the start of the summer holidays than with a Pavlova – our family favourite? I loved working with Kate (Garraway) last week during these turbulent times in the country.”

“I’ll be back with Susanna (Reid) in early September when schools and Parliament reopen – see you soon.”

ITV defended Ed’s interview with his wife, describing the conversation as “balanced, fair and appropriately impartial” despite the strong reactions.

A spokesman for the broadcaster said: “After a weekend of riots and national unrest, today’s GMB programme featured a series of interviews and discussions around this national emergency, including James Cleverly, Shadow Home Secretary, and Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary.

“We are confident that these interviews were balanced, fair and appropriately impartial.”

Ofcom had previously stated that thousands of complaints were being “assessed”.

The regulator said: “We are examining the complaints regarding breaches of our broadcasting rules but have yet to decide whether or not to investigate the case.”