Good Morning Britain in chaos as Kate Garraway whacks co-star Ben Shephard

GOOD Morning Britain descended into chaos today as Ben Shephard suffered a coughing fit live on air.

His co-star Kate Garraway rushed to the rescue by whacking him on the back to clear his throat.

But Ben was quick to say it hurt and didn't help him - as Kate joked "it helps me".

The hilarious exchange took place on this morning's programme after Kate made a joke about a French pigeon.

The gag tickled Ben who suddenly suffered a coughing fit and couldn't speak.

Kate said: "Oh it's brilliant, every time I make him giggle he can't speak for ten minutes."

As Ben struggled to recover, Kate hit his back in an attempt to clear his airways.

"Does it help when I do that?," asked Kate.

Ben shouted: "No it doesn't!"

"Well it helps me," Kate cheekily replied.

Ben told her: "It just hurts."

Ben and Kate had been trying to work out whether Fred Sirieix - who is a guest on the show today - was secretly performing as the Pigeon on ITV's The Masked Singer.

Kate put on a French accent to say "pigeon" as she attempted to imitate Fred.

But it ended up with Ben choking live on air.