The chief correspondent of the ITV morning news show was admitted to a hospital in Portsmouth for the unplanned procedure on Sunday.

He developed an infection that could not be treated by antibiotics, Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley told viewers in a health update on Monday morning.

Gaisford visited Queen Alexandra Hospital for medical advice before he was admitted for emergency surgery, Reid said, wishing the correspondent a "swift recovery", while Madeley urged him to "get well soon mate".

Gaisford shared a picture from his hospital bed with his 46,000 followers on X, hailing the "first class" service he received from NHS staff.

"Not quite the Sunday I'd planned," he joked.

"Many thanks to the incredible team at [Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust] for amazing care and a spot of emergency surgery.

"NHS at its very best."

"I realise there are untold pressures at the moment, but the service I received was first class and hugely appreciated," he added.

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Fellow ITV colleagues including presenters Lorraine Kelly, Laura Tobin and Sally Biddulph, and former ITV newsreader John Stapleton, were among the dozens of colleagues and fans who sent their best wishes.

Gaisford has been broadcasting at breakfast on ITV for 24 years, including providing ongoing coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war, which entered its third year on Saturday.

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