Piers Morgan rules out Good Morning Britain return as petitions to reinstate him reach nearly 200,000

Morgan called the online support a ‘pleasant surprise’

Piers Morgan has ruled out a return to Good Morning Britain in response to numerous petitions calling to “bring him back”. 

The presenter’s departure came after both he and ITV attracted widespread criticism over comments he made about Meghan Markle following her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, including that he “didn’t believe a word” she said about having suicidal thoughts during her time as a senior royal.

In the wake of his exit, a number of online petitions were set up in support of Morgan. One petition – which urges ITV to “keep Piers Morgan on GMB for his common sense approach to life” – has reached nearly 130,000 signatures in the days since his exit was announced on Tuesday (9 March). 

The 55-year-old has responded to fans’ pleas on Twitter, writing: “I won’t be going back, but thanks to everyone who has signed these petitions.”

He added: “Normally, people start petitions to have me fired or deported, so this is a pleasant surprise”.

Another petition – which condemns ITV’s treatment of Morgan as “appalling” – has gained more than 30,000 signatures. Meanwhile, nearly 42,000 people have signed a third appeal that asks the public to “give him the support that he has given us as NHS workers”.

Speaking about his presenting future, Morgan told reporters outside of his London home on Wednesday morning (10 March) that he is “always in talks with people”.

Andrew Neil has described Morgan’s departure from GMB as a “real problem” for ITV. The broadcaster added that Morgan would be “a huge asset” to his new news channel GB News. 

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“We haven’t started any negotiations yet but we would certainly be delighted to talk to him if he’s up for it,” he said.

Neil has previously described his new 24-hour news channel as similar to the opinion-led US networks, stating that it will feature anchors with “attitude” and “a bit of edge”.