Piers Morgan leaving Good Morning Britain prompts mixed response from celebrities

Celebrities have shown a divided response to news of Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan leaving the show.

Piers Morgan has quit Good Morning Britain picture: GQ

Sharon Osbourne was among those to show a message of support towards the controversial TV presenter following ITV’s announcement which read: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.”

Morgan stormed off the set of the news programme on Tuesday following a heated discussion with his colleague, Alex Beresford, about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne said she would “stand by” Morgan.

In a message on Twitter she said: “Piers Morgan I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you’re paid for your opinion and that you’re just speaking your truth.”

Former England cricketer Pietersen, who has received support from Morgan in the past after a controversial exit from the national team, was full of praise for the presenter.

“I know Piers Morgan is away from TV and twitter. He’s a f*****g legend, who is loyal, funny, caring and so much fun to be around!”

“Hope you’re ok, buddy! #TeamPiers”.

Gary Lineker, who has publicly sparred with Morgan, also showed his support towards the presenter.

He said: “Whether it’s a football manager, a television presenter or any profession for that matter, it’s always sad when someone loses their job.

“Piers Morgan is excellent at what he does and I’m sure he’ll be back on the telly soon.”

Lineker’s BBC colleague Dan Walker aimed a light jab in Morgan’s direction by inviting him “to come on the UK’s number 1 breakfast show” to discuss his departure.

“Sorry to hear the news about your departure from GMB Piers Morgan,” he tweeted.

“If you’d like to come on the UK’s number 1 breakfast show to talk about it… we could make some space for you in the morning”.

Others appeared less sympathetic, with Jedward’s account posting “Tomorrow will definitely be a Good Morning Britain!” while Lord Alan Sugar wrote “Piers Morgan pushed his luck. I think he might have something else lined up watch this space.”

Channel 4’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy meanwhile struck a cautious tone.

“For all you think he gets wrong (which are matters of opinion) few will be more pleased to see Piers Morgan go than ministers who won’t face him anymore,” he wrote.

“GMB always lost the ratings war to BBC but was talked about more. Murdoch or GB News will bite his hand off.”

Comedian David Schneider was less diplomatic, but his point was similar.

“Can the gratuitously bullying, sexist, Meghan-obsessed Piers Morgan resign and the one who’s so good at holding the government to account stay?” he tweeted.

Actress and presenter Denise Welch simply posted: “Piers Morgan. That’s a wrap.”

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