Piers Morgan sensationally walked away from his role on Good Morning Britain earlier this week following backlash after revealing he didn’t believe Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s suicidal claims.
His dramatic exit on Tuesday, March 9, came after over 41,000 viewers complained to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom after Piers launched a blistering attack on Meghan, 39.
The 55-year-old said: “I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says, I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report,” after The Duchess told Oprah Winfrey she felt suicidal during her time as a senior royal.
During Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain after a heated debate with weather presenter, Alex Beresford Piers walked off the set before returning to continue their spat.
Piers had threatened to walk away from GMB on more than one occasion
However, while his contract was coming to an end and up for renewal, Piers had hinted at his decision to walk away from the show on multiple occasions.
He first threatened to turn his back on the programme during a live episode in 2017 after it was revealed that Love Island champs Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies had landed a presenting role on the morning show.
Piers was no stranger to controversy during his time on Good Morning Britain (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Piers is known for his dislike towards reality stars who find fame on Love Island, often saying they make money by “having sex on TV” and was less than impressed when Amber and Kem’s arrival was announced.
Taking to Twitter, he shared the story alongside the caption: “I quit.”
A self-professed “prima donna”, Piers has also threatened to axe his ties with the show over the years due to the early starts which meant he was waking up at the crack of dawn.
Piers stepped down from GMB on Tuesday evening after discussions with ITV bosses (Image: GC Images)
“I threatened to quit a couple of times,” he told OK! Magazine.
The former Britain’s Got Talent judge went on to say: “I can be a bit of a prima donna, I was coming in at 4am and it was killing me, but now they let me come in at 5:30am.”
He added: “I get more time off, GMB seems to be successful.
“So I said you can have me a little bit less, which might be quite popular, and they were prepared to do that, so I was happy to stay.”
Back in 2018, he again took to social media to tease his resignation after the official GMB Twitter page shared an “urgent” appeal, suggesting that followers should vote for them to win a National Television Award as it “gets more difficult” working with Piers by the day.
After seeing the tweet, he cheekily responded: “Relax – any more tweets like this & you won’t be working with me on a daily basis.”
Piers came under fire following his comments surrounding Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex (Image: PA)
Piers also tempted fate, suggesting he would “possibly” leave his seat in 2020.
After reading a viewer message that said: “I thought I heard you state you’re leaving at the end of the year?”
He replied while glaring down the camera lens: “I’m not. Leaving next year? Possibly.”
Announcing his departure on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for ITV said: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
Piers sensationally walked off the GMB set after becoming embroiled in a spat with weather presenter, Alex Beresford
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“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV has since reportedly told journalists that producers were ‘dealing with Piers’ following his outbursts this week.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, during a morning conference call with reporters on Tuesday, McCall revealed that she “hadn’t seen” footage of Piers walking off set.
However, she added: “It was a very balanced show this morning.”
During her conversation with staff, Carolyn also reportedly revealed that the channel are not involved with what Piers says on social media.
“Piers is a freelance presenter for ITV,” McCall said, adding: “We have absolutely no say or control” over his social media platforms.
While his personal profiles are off-limits, Carolyn did suggest that ITV producers are talking to Piers about the remarks he has made on Good Morning Britain.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
GMB continues tomorrow at 6am on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
