Ben Shephard steps in to take Piers Morgan’s place on Good Morning Britain amid coronavirus fears

BEN Shephard stood in for Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain today as he stays at home amid fears he could have the coronavirus.

The 55-year-old presenter had been due to host Monday’s show with Susanna Reid but said he has been tested for Covid-19 and will not be back on screens until he gets the results back.

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The Sun exclusively revealed his replacement would be Ben Shephard and the host opened the show today, telling viewers: “Good morning, as you can see I’m not Piers!”

Susanna took over and updated fans on Piers’ condition.

She said: “Piers tweeted this last night if you’re confused and you haven’t been on Twitter.

“The test results should be back today we send our very best wishes.

“People will ask in the circumstances if there is a symptom should the rest of us be at work, but we have been assured we are fine.”

Piers tweeted last night: “UPDATE: On medical advice, and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs, I’ve had a test for COVID-19 and so won’t be working on @GMB until I get the result back, which should be tomorrow.”

ITV confirmed to The Sun Online last night that Ben was drafted in to present the show in Piers’ place, alongside Susanna Reid.

It is not yet known whether Piers has coronavirus or when he will return to the show.

The 45-year-old Tipping Point host is a regular stand-in on Good Morning Britain and last presented the show on Friday, when he gave fans an updated on his pal Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper.

He read out her social media update on the morning show, saying: “He is still with us but what a battle it is.”

Ranvir Singh added: “It’s a dreadful time and I think she’s at home with two children and trying to keep it going. It’s a total unknown. But as she said, as long as he’s here there’s absolute hope.”

Ben added: “Twenty four hours at a time and she rightly pointed out, he’s getting extraordinary care. She gets the chance to phone in the evenings and talk to him.”

Ranvir then confirmed that Derek is not able to reply yet, saying: “He’s not responding yet to everything she’s saying, I don’t think.”

Ben joked: “That’s pretty standard with Kate!”

The star explained last month that he also has family members who are “very ill” amid the coronavirus crisis.

The presenter said: “I’ve got family members who are very ill at the moment as well and people that I know and friends who have lost friends and family. It doesn’t get any less painful.”