She’s been his trusty “work wife” for almost six years – and has been applauded during that time for keeping him in check and redressing the balance on some of his more controversial moments. But last week, Susanna Reid found herself without a TV sparring partner, after her Good Morning Britain co-presenter Piers Morgan dramatically quit the programme.
Speaking to viewers the following morning, Susanna gave a measured tribute to her former colleague, calling him an “outspoken, challenging, opinionated, disruptive broadcaster”, and adding that “he has many critics and he has many fans”. And, while the TV presenter did her best to remain impartial and unrattled by the drama, insiders say she’s been totally rocked by Piers’ departure – not least because she’s been left to pick up the pieces.
“It’s been a difficult 24 hours for Susanna, too,” said an ITV insider last week, after Piers quit GMB in the wake of his reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview, storming off set after a row with weather presenter Alex Beresford.
“She’s exceptionally close to Piers, but is now left holding the baby. She also doesn’t want to look like she condones his behaviour, as she often disagrees with him, but respects his right to have an opinion.”
There’s no doubt that the controversy surrounding Piers – and his explosive reaction to the Oprah interview – is a minefield, and those close to him are now treading a fine line between supporting him while not condoning all of his actions.
The drama kicked off last week, after the interview first aired in the US. Piers voiced his outrage over Meghan’s claims that she’d contemplated taking her own life and had been subjected to racism by the royal family. Piers said he “didn’t believe a word” of it, with Susanna telling him he’d had a “pathetic reaction to someone who has expressed those thoughts”.
CHECK OUT the unlikely faces viewers are calling to replace Piers Morgan on GMB
Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacements
1 of 9Alex Beresford
It would be quite the turn of events if Alex Beresford replaced Piers, given that their on-screen row caused him to storm off set before announcing his departure but that's exactly what some viewers have called for after Alex called out Piers' comments about Meghan Markle.
2 of 9Jeremy Clarkson
Another of Piers' foes who has been tipped to replace him is Jeremy Clarkson. Jez, who was reportedly once involved in a punch-up with Piers, fuelled the fire last night when he tweeted, "People of America. You sent Piers Morgan back to the UK. Now look what we've sent back to you. Ha. We win."
3 of 9Gemma Collins
The GC is no stranger to Good Morning Britain, having made a number of viral appearances on the show over the years, and some fans have called for her to get a permanent role now that there's a vacancy on the panel.
4 of 9Bimini & Tayce
RuPaul's Drag Race UK fans have suggested that queens Bimini and Tayce should replace Piers after impressing as breakfast TV hosts in the Morning Glory challenge a few weeks ago and we're SO here for it, tbh.
5 of 9Rylan Clark-Neal
After proving his daytime TV chops on This Morning over the years, Rylan's hotly tipped to be in the running to join the GMB panel. He'd definitely bring the fun factor to early mornings.
6 of 9Trisha Goddard
After her epic takedown of Piers on Good Morning Britain earlier this week, fans have suggested Trisha should replace him alongside Susanna Reid. She ruled daytime TV for years with her morning talk show Trisha so she'd be right at home.
7 of 9Gogglebox's Jenny and Lee
They keep the nation entertained on Friday nights and now a viral tweet has called for Gogglebox "legends" Jenny and Lee to replace Piers on Good Morning Britain. They definitely get our vote.
8 of 9Ranvir Singh
Ranvir hosted Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid the morning after Piers' departure was announced, although ITV claimed she was always scheduled to appear on the show. She'd make a great permanent replacement though, and we'd love to see two women host the show.
9 of 9Richard Bacon
Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon has been tipped to replace Piers permanently after impressing fans with his temporary stint on the show.
He later clarified that he didn’t believe that she’d told a senior member of the royal household that he was struggling, but the damage was done – 41,000 complaints were made to ITV over his comments and, refusing to apologise, Piers tendered his immediate resignation, telling followers, “Freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on.”
Twenty-four hours later, Susanna found herself at the helm of the most controversial show on TV – and while she insisted to viewers that the show must go on, it was clear that she was feeling a whole gamut of emotions due to what had taken place. Some said she felt relieved – not least because it’s a full-time job keeping Piers in check. But, according to onlookers, she was also spotted “in tears” after a series of emergency meetings, as the weight of her co-host’s exit began to sink in.
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“Piers and I have disagreed on many things and that dynamic was one of the things that viewers loved about the programme. He is without a doubt an outspoken, challenging, opinionated, disruptive broadcaster,” Susanna told viewers on Wednesday with a carefully worded tribute. “Now, Piers has decided to leave the programme. Some of you may cheer and others will boo. He has been my presenting partner Monday to Wednesday for more than five years. During Brexit, and the pandemic, and other issues, he has been a voice for many of you – and a voice that many of you rallied against.”
She finished by saying, “It is certainly going to be very different, but shows go on and so on we go.”
Read more in the latest issue of heat magazine – OUT NOW.