GMB ‘to rotate male stand-in hosts’ as Piers Morgan proves difficult to replace
The outspoken broadcaster, 56, infamously quit the popular morning programme in March 2021 after he stormed off set following a row with weatherman Alex Beresford over his remarks dismissing Meghan Markle’s mental health battle.
In an attempt to recapture Piers’ connection with viewers at home, ITV producers have spent a lengthy period of time putting hosts Richard Madeley, Adil Ray, Martin Lewis, and Ed Balls next to his former co-star Susanna Reid.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Replacing Piers was always going to be tough, but no one thought that almost a year on they still wouldn’t have found anyone. It is one of the biggest shows on TV, so it really shouldn’t have been this hard.’
Reports also claimed that the process has been a ‘real headache’ as notable presenters in the business refused to take Piers’ place out of ‘loyalty.’
‘It didn’t occur to bosses that many of the big presenters would rule themselves out because they are friends with Piers,’ the insider added.
An ITV spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Good Morning Britain is an award-winning breakfast show with great journalism at its core and a brilliantly talented team both on and off screen who all play a part in its continued success.
‘The show is performing well with the roster of guest hosts alongside our existing family of presenters and there are no current plans to change this.’
This comes after Richard addressed the ongoing comparisons between him and Piers.
In a recent interview, the former I’m A Celebrity campmate said: ‘I am part of a team, I am not, I repeat NOT the new or next Piers Morgan.
‘I am me. I’m doing it my way,’ he told Express.co.uk.
‘It’s not my full-time job, I’m there two to three weeks out of four, usually three days of a week.
‘I don’t do it to the extent Piers did when he was on. I do it quite enough for me. I’m sort of semi-regular and that suits me down to the ground,’ he added.
Piers’ comments about Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan topped the organisation’s list of most-complained about programmes in 2021 with 54,595 complaints, which was cleared by the broadcaster.
However, the journalist didn’t stay down for long as he confirmed the launch of his brand-new show on TalkTV, with a behind-the-scenes snap of his spacious studio.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
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