Exclusive
REIDY TO RULE
Susanna Reid lands new role as star of Good Morning Britain in battle to replace Piers Morgan
SUSANNA Reid will be turned into Good Morning Britain’s “solo star” as bosses build the entire show around her.
ITV chiefs are desperate to ensure Susanna, 50, does not quit like former co-host Piers Morgan — and want her to take control of the breakfast programme.
8
8
GMB executives are also keen to promote their popular “competitions man” Andi Peters as they continue to rotate their current roster of staff for the next six months.
Bosses will not rule out a long-term, big-name successor to Piers, 56, who controversially departed earlier this month.
But they have reassured staff it is business as usual until September — with Susanna very much at the helm.
Last night a source said: “Piers’ sudden departure has, of course, put a rocket up everyone.
8
8
“But what ITV needs now, more than ever, are calm heads and someone to steady the ship.
“Susanna has proven herself a consummate broadcaster for the past ten years — and clearly has the star factor.
“She is smart, feisty and opinionated. She may have been Piers’ foil for the past five years, but she’s so much more than this — and now it’s very much a case of The Susanna Show.
“ITV have offered her their full backing, and she will have even more editorial say going forwards.”
8
Weatherman Alex Beresford — whose on-screen row with Piers led to him briefly walking out — has signalled he is desperate for a bigger job.
Show regular Andi, 50, often seen fronting the competitions, could also be given a greater role.
The insider added: “Alex hasn’t formally applied for Piers’ job, but has made it quietly known he’s more than happy, and able, to step up as a presenter if and when he’s needed.
8
“Behind the scenes, Andi is very popular, and polls well with viewers despite, arguably, having the unenviable task of making competitions sound interesting.
“He will be given more opportunities to step up too.”
Piers’ on-air row with Alex, 40, saw GMB record its highest viewing figures to date — overtaking rivals BBC Breakfast for the first time.
8
8
Most read in News TV
However, since then ratings have been dropping off, sparking petitions calling for Piers to be reinstated.
He had been forced to quit for questioning Meghan Markle’s claims on her Oprah interview with Prince Harry, prompting a complaint from the duchess to ITV chief Carolyn McCall.
Alex — scathingly dubbed an “occasional stand-in weatherman” by Piers in a newspaper on Sunday — presented with Kate Garraway, 53, last Friday.
Susanna Reid says it's been 'the longest week of my life' since the Meghan and Harry interview aired and Piers Morgan quit GMB
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Topics