Alex Beresford speaks out after Piers Morgan’s exit from Good Morning Britain: ‘I didn’t want him to quit’

‘I hoped we could reach a place of understanding,’ said the presenter

Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford has publicly addressed Piers Morgan’s exit from the ITV breakfast show.

Beresford spoke out about his former co-star’s departure in a lengthy statement shared on Twitter, writing: “I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen.”

The weatherman wrote: “There is so much that could be said. Piers’ departure sincerely wasn’t the conclusion I was hoping for. Over the last few years, Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.”

He went on to address the heated exchange that occurred between them on Tuesday’s show (9 March), which prompted Morgan to storm off set. ITV announced his exit from GMB later that evening. 

“We both wanted to be on the show Tuesday morning, and from our very public conversations on Twitter, we both knew how strongly our opinions differed on the treatment of Harry and Meghan pre and post the interview that has split the world,” said Beresford.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all sit down with Oprah Winfrey aired in the US on Sunday evening (8 March). Morgan addressed the interview during Monday’s GMB instalment stating that he does not “believe anything that comes out of her mouth”.

Beresford continued: “I hoped we could reach a place of understanding. It’s sad that we weren’t able to get there, but challenging his opinion was not an outrage. On this occasion, we have to agree to disagree.”

“I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen,” he added.

The 40-year-old concluded by saying that “Piers has always supported my growth” and stating that he is “grateful” for the advice Morgan has given him on “several occasions”.

“I wish him well!” wrote the presenter.

On Tuesday (9 March), Beresford condemned Morgan over his comments about Markle, including remarks that he did not believe her when the Duchess revealed that she had suffered from suicidal thoughts after being overwhelmed by press scrutiny into her personal life.

“I understand that you don’t like Meghan Markle. You’ve made it so clear a number of times on this programme, and I understand that you had a personal relationship with Meghan Markle and she cut you off,” said Beresford. “Has she said anything about you after she cut you off? She’s entitled to cut you off if she wants to. And yet you continue to trash her.”

At this point, Morgan stood up and walked away from the GMB set, saying: “OK, I’m done with this.”

As Morgan was leaving, Beresford added: “Do you know what? That’s pathetic. This is absolutely diabolical behaviour. I’m sorry, but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen – 6.30 to 7 o’clock yesterday was incredibly hard to watch.”

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has received more than 41,000 complaints over Morgan’s comments.