'I'm not disrespectful!' GMB's Martin Lewis goes MISSING on-set before defending flouting the show dress code by not wearing a tie during hosting debut

Martin Lewis made quite an impression during his Good Morning Britain presenting debut on Monday - after going missing and flouting the show's dress code.

The finance expert, 49, co-hosted the breakfast show with Susanna Reid however she was left stunned when he had appeared to go missing - although his absence transpired to be an ill-timed toilet visit.

Aside from his disappearing act, Martin was seen to host the show in an open white shirt and a black blazer, which he admitted had gone against the dress code by not wearing a tie despite the request from producers. 

Show officials then hosted an official poll on Twitter to ask viewers' thoughts on the need to wear a tie - leading to a whopping 89.5% agreeing it was not necessary.

Fury: Martin Lewis made quite an impression during his Good Morning Britain presenting debut on Monday - after going missing and flouting the show's dress code

It was revealed last week that Susanna would be joined by Martin for a three day stint as bosses have still not filled host Piers Morgan's role following his walkout in March in a row over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 

When the camera returned to the panel on Monday, Charlotte Hawkins laughed and said: 'He's gone already!... Was it something you said?'

Susanna then pointed at her co-anchor's seat and said: 'I don't know what I said! before viewers learnt that Martin had merely visited the toilet.  

He said: 'The truth is people when you're new to a job and you've been drinking tea since 7 O'clock this morning and you can't find the loo in the ad break you might occasionally be back late to your seat.'

What! The finance expert, 49, co-hosted the breakfast show with Susanna Reid however she was left stunned when he had appeared to go missing - although his absence transpired to be an ill-timed toilet visit

Hitting out: The finance expert, 49, co-hosted the breakfast show with Susanna Reid in an open white shirt and a black blazer, and he admitted he had gone against the dress code following a cheeky jibe made towards him by the stalwart host

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It was then that Piers' now-legendary departure arose as Susanna said: 'We've got an issue with people leaving the studio on this programme. So I'm glad you're back.'

Elsewhere, Susanna couldn't resist a cheeky dig at his lack of tie, jokingly asking if his recent tooth surgery prevented him from wearing one. Martin said: 'Wow, two minutes in and she's already started.'

Martin went on to explain he decided to ignore the producers, who told him a tie was GMB protocol, because he doesn't like viewers to see him as corporate.

He said: 'The tie thing is interesting because the bosses said, 'Are you gonna wear a tie, it's part of our format to wear a tie'. I'm not disrespectful of the programme's structure, I was on it for 15 years.

No! Martin went on to explain he decided to ignore the producers, who told him a tie was GMB protocol, because he doesn't like viewers to see him as corporate (Richard Madeley, pictured hosting the show earlier this month)

Thoughts? The official Good Morning Britain Twitter account hosted a poll asking whether he needed to wear a tie with a whopping 89.5% agreeing a tie was not necessary 

'Because I talk about money I've always had a deliberate thing, I won't wear a tie because it appears corporate and when you're talking money, I want people to understand I'm not on the corporate side I'm on the other side.'

The MoneySavingExpert founder caught Susanna giving him a look as he explained his decision and he jokingly told her to not 'pull a face at me.' Martin then let the viewers decide if he should have worn a tie for the show in a poll on social media.

He explained: 'Viewers are the ultimate arbiter of this so I've agreed that I won't wear a tie on the first day, we're gonna do a poll on Twitter asking whether you think I need to wear a tie.

Clean cut: He normally has a clean shaven appearance when offering his expert advice during the financial segments on This Morning

'I feel more comfortable without but if you say wear a tie from tomorrow I will put a tie on.'

However, Susanna was quick to note that he was happy to ignore ITV bosses but would change his stance for the audience.

She added: 'So when the bosses say wear a tie you say no, but when the viewers say wear a tie, they're the important ones.'

The poll revealed that 89 per cent of viewers were happy with Martin's choice of wardrobe.

Another one: Susanna is yet to have a full-time co-anchor assigned since Piers left in March

Later in the show, 'GMB' guest Tony Hadley backed Martin's decision. He said: 'You don't need a tie, it's too formal for the morning.'

Last week on This Morning, Martin explained that the reason behind his different appearance was because he is unable to shave due to recent dental surgery.

Joking about his rugged-looking face, Martin said: 'Before anyone says it no I'm notdoing tips on saving money on razor blades without shaving. I had dental sugery - hence the lisp - last week.

'I can't actually touch my top lip at the moment. And you'll have to forgive me for not speaking as clearly as normal everybody, sorry.'

Oh dear: Bosses have still not filled host Piers Morgan's role following his walkout in March in a row over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle