Celebs have been sharing their thoughts on the announcement that Piers Morgan is leaving Good Morning Britain, following controversial remarks he made about Meghan Markle.
ITV had faced widespread calls to axe the divisive presenter after he cast doubt on Meghan’s revelation that she had experienced suicidal thoughts after joining the Royal Family.
The broadcaster confirmed on Tuesday evening that Piers has left his three-days-a-week co-hosting role on their flagship breakfast show.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
During an appearance on The One Show on Tuesday evening, Piers’ ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly wouldn’t be drawn on his departure but did admit “its certainly going to be quieter”.
Both Gary Lineker and Sharon Osbourne defended Piers on Twitter, with the former footballer declaring it “sad” that the presenter had lost his job, which didn’t exactly go down well.
Meanwhile, Sharon said she stood with Piers, adding “people forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth.”
Other names from the entertainment world also shared their thoughts on Piers’ exit on Twitter...
Piers’ departure from GMB came shortly after TV watchdog Ofcom confirmed it had launched an investigation into the programme, having received over 41,000 complaints about Monday’s episode.
It said it would be probing the show under its harm and offence rules.
Piers’ comments came after Meghan told Oprah Winfrey during her US TV interview of how there was a time where “didn’t want to be alive anymore”.
She continued: “I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. And I said that I’d never felt this way before. I need to go somewhere. And I was told that I couldn’t, because it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
On the following morning’s edition of GMB, Piers said: “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says.”
While co-host Susanna Reid shared her shock at Piers’ lack of sympathy, he continued: “I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report, and the fact that she’s fired up this onslaught against our royal family, I think is contemptible.”
Piers’ comments had previously been condemned by mental health charity Mind, who work with ITV on its Britain Get Talking initiative.
“We were disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan’s comments on not believing Meghan’s experiences about suicidal thoughts,” it said in a statement.
“It’s vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy. We are in conversations with ITV about this at the moment.”
The following day, Piers walked off set during an on-air row with colleague Alex Beresford about the Duchess, when the weather presenter questioned his repeated criticisms of her.
Slamming Piers’ “diabolical behaviour” after he stormed out of the studio, Alex said: “I’m sorry but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen. Six-thirty to seven o’clock [on Monday] was incredibly hard to watch. Incredibly hard to watch.
“This… he has the ability to come in here and talk from a position where he doesn’t fully understand.”
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.