Alastair Campbell is excited to be stepping into Piers Morgan’s former role on Good Morning Britain this month, but has warned things will be a whole lot different with him at the helm.
The 63-year-old made it quite clear that although he’s up for some healthy debates on the ITV programme, he won’t be participating in on-air “squabbles or shouting” matches with politicians.
If his latest memoir is anything to go by, it’s evident he isn’t up for attempting to be “the next Piers Morgan” as he takes a seat next to Susanna Reid.
As Tony Blair’s former right-hand man, he is looking forward to challenging government politicians who have previously swerved appearing on the breakfast show.
(Image: @campbellclaret/Twitter)
Writing for the Independent, Alastair said: “I am also looking forward to interviewing politicians on all sides.”
Explaining that his week in the hot-seat is going to be a significant period for politicians – due to the local elections, he added: “One of the most important elements of our democracy is that ministers and their shadows should be subject to scrutiny and questioning and I thought it was self-defeating for the government to have their long boycott of certain programmes, including Good Morning Britain.
(Image: @campbellclaret/Twitter)
“Ministers should never fear robust questioning but I also know how much most people hate it when things descend into squabbles or shouting.
“And though I may have strong views, I also think one of the worst things about the nature of our debate, exacerbated by social media, is that we don’t want to engage properly with people who have different views.”
Last week, Alastair shared the news that he would be teaming up with ITV, uploading behind-the-scenes footage of himself on-set with Susanna and Charlotte Hawkins.
(Image: ITV)
Along with the snap that was posted on Twitter, he captioned: “So weird to be wearing suit and tie.
“Been in at @GMB checking the presenter chair and seeing if I can cope with the tech!
“And no I am NOT the new @piersmorgan BUT I will be presenting alongside @susannareid100 May 10-12 thru Mental Health Awareness Week.
“In addition to usual news, views and interviews hoping to draw attention to MH Issues which GMB have long championed.
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“But also keen to get stuck in on all the big political stories post May 6 elections. No piano! Wish I’d been on this a.m!”
Piers left Good Morning Britain in March amid controversy over his coverage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Alex Beresford challenged him on the topic while live on-air, which resulted in Piers storming off set and later handing in his notice.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
