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TEARS FOR PIERS
Piers Morgan’s exit from GMB leaves co-host Susanna Reid in tears following Meghan Markle row
SUSANNA Reid was left in tears today after her Good Morning Britain co-host Piers Morgan quit.
Piers, 55, resigned after ITV bosses asked him to publicly apologise for saying he refused to believe Meghan’s claims during her Oprah Winfrey interview that she contemplated suicide.
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His remarks led to a heated clash on air today with the show’s weatherman Alex Beresford, 40, during which Piers stormed off set.
And they drew 41,000 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.
Bosses were concerned Piers’ comments clashed with their mental health campaign Get Britain Talking and asked him to apologise on air.
But he said he was not willing to do so and walked — bringing an immediate end to his six-year stint on the show.
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An ITV source said: “Piers was not going to back down.
“He was asked to make an apology but refused. He says he is entitled to his opinion and is always going to stand by it.
“When he refused to apologise, there was a stand-off.
“His contract was coming to an end this year anyway, but he said he wouldn’t do the job unless it was on his terms.”
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Co-host Susanna, 50, was seen in tears after a series of meetings at ITV’s studios in Television Centre, West London. The source added: “It’s been a difficult 24 hours for Susanna, too.
“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.”
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But celeb pals leapt to Piers’ defence. Gary Lineker tweeted: “Piers Morgan is excellent at what he does and I’m sure he’ll be back on the telly soon.”
Sharon Osbourne said: “I stand by you. People forget you’re paid for your opinion and you’re just speaking your truth.”
Piers’ rival at BBC Breakfast, Dan Walker, cheekily invited him on to talk about the issue.
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