BBC Breakfast has beaten Good Morning Britain in the ratings war by a million viewers after Piers Morgan sensationally quit. On the day he left – last Tuesday – the ITV show overtook its Corporation rivals for the first time. But things were different when the show returned this week with Ben Shephard stepping in […]
BBC Breakfast has beaten Good Morning Britain in the ratings war by a million viewers after Piers Morgan sensationally quit.
On the day he left – last Tuesday – the ITV show overtook its Corporation rivals for the first time.
Follow our Piers Morgan live blog for the latest on his GMB exit…
But things were different when the show returned this week with Ben Shephard stepping in alongside co-host Susanna Reid.
On Monday March 15, BBC Breakfast reached an audience of 2.11 million during its peak at 8.15am.
Meanwhile Good Morning Britain managed a climax of 1.24 million at 7.30am.
Piers’ shock resignation followed a row sparked when he said he did not believe Meghan Markle’s claims about her mental health.
Meghan raised concerns with ITV’s CEO after Piers said he didn’t believe she had suffered suicidal thoughts.
She made the comments during her two-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday, when she said she “didn’t want to be alive anymore”.
The Duchess of Sussex is said to have been worried Piers’ words might affect others struggling with similar issues.
Seniors execs wanted the 55-year-old presenter to say sorry on air but he refused and stepped down from GMB last night.
After claiming he “didn’t believe a word” of what Meghan had revealed, Piers rowed with Alex Beresford then stormed off set.
His outburst saw Ofcom receive 41,000 complaints – the most in a decade – sparking an investigation.
Despite the backlash, Piers was offered a job live on air by Andrew Neil chairman of the incoming television news channel GB News.
He said he would be “delighted” to have a conversation with the firebrand host after his his six-year stint on the morning show.
Mr Neil told the BBC it was a loss for ITV – saying many viewers had tuned in for the controversial host.
He said: “Well, Piers would be a huge asset to GB news and we’ll definitely look at that.
“We haven’t started any negotiations yet. We would certainly be delighted to talk to him if he’s up for it.”
Mr Neil said he would not want to have Piers’ GMB role transferred to GB News but added: “Could we find a role for Piers Morgan?
“Of course we could – any network worth it’s salt could find a role for a broadcaster of his calibre.”
