Holly Willoughby was left fearing her pal Piers Morgan was dead after falling victim to a cruel hoax.
The This Morning host rushed to message Piers, 55, after she was asked to film an obituary about him.
After Piers messaged her back and she knew he was ok, the duo were able to joke about the situation, though Piers has now used his online column to slam those responsible.
The Good Morning Britain host wrote: “Fortunately, my friends’ concern for my health marginally outweighed their natural craving to be on camera, or at least it did for the ones I know about.
“‘Are you OK?’ asked a panicky Holly. ‘I’ve been asked to record an obit message about you?’
Holly was left fearing the worst after being asked to film an obit for ITN about Piers (Image: Getty Images)
“‘It’s a fake,’ I chuckled. ‘Out of interest, what would you have said in your tribute?’
“‘I’d have said you were a wonderfully beloved part of the ITV daytime family who will be sorely missed,’ Holly replied, ‘and that I’m available to take over presenting Life Stories.’”
After hearing about the scam last month, Piers raced to Twitter before letting rip at those responsible.
Venting to his 8million followers, Susanna Reid’s co-star wrote: “To the pranksters currently contacting all my famous friends asking them to tape a contribution to my obituary for ITN… maybe stop being annoying little d***heads?”
Piers Morgan took to Twitter to slam those responsible for the vile hoax (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
But while he may have been at the centre of a cruel online attack, Piers has helped GMB and ITV to record ratings since returning to the hit breakfast show.
The former newspaper columnist’s first day back in the hot seat after his summer break earned GMB their best ever ratings.
Gleefully taking to social media to announce the news, Piers wrote: “BREAKING: Our first day back on @gmb yesterday was the highest rated show in the programme’s history! 28% audience share.
“47% up year-on-year. Sadly, @bbcbreakfast collapsed to its lowest rating of the year.. thoughts with them at this difficult time.
“Thanks for watching!”
Confirming he has no plans to step down from his breakfast TV role, the dad-of-five told The Sun’s TV mag: “I’ve just signed a new contract up for GMB until the end of next year.
“I love working with Susanna and the team – we’re a Ying Yang that works.
“If my style upsets people, don’t watch! Watch something else. Nobody’s forcing anyone to watch it.
“You’ve got a remote control in your hand, I really don’t understand what the problem is.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
