Alex Beresford and Piers Morgan hit headlines across the country in the days prior to the former Good Morning Britain host’s departure from the show. After locking horns over Piers’ comments regarding Meghan Markle earlier this month, Piers walked off the GMB set and refused to apologise to Alex or Meghan before cutting ties with the show for good. Ever since, ITV has welcomed the likes of Ben Shephard and Adil Ray into the presenter’s chair with a permanent replacement yet to be announced – but on Friday, it was the turn of Alex.
Usually on the show as GMB’s resident weather reporter, Alex swapped the forecasts for headlines as he joined Kate Garraway.
However, seeing as the row with Piers was such a memorable moment from the host’s final day on the show, a number of viewers weren’t happy to see Alex now in the presenter’s chair.
Replying to the show’s official GMB Twitter account, one fan made their thoughts known: “Saw it was him and turned to sky news … GMB you need to sort your programme out.”
A second echoed: “Same, cannot stand the man! He needs to stick to weather. His performance with piers shows he is unable to remain professional and imo should’ve been fired!” (sic)
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Another weighed in: “Is it just me that feels particularly annoyed that @alexberesfordTV is now sitting in @piersmorgans seat? Method in the madness?? Not amused!”
“God that didn’t take long to fit Mr motivator into Piers chair, talk about rubbing salt in the wound. Come back Piers, I’m bored,” a fourth added.
While a fifth similarly called for Piers’ return: “Bring back Piers. Don’t wanna see this bloke!”
However, a sixth sought middle ground as they added to the debate: “I support Alex over the whole Piers thing with MM debate but a couple of things…
“I miss the serious side of the news, I don’t think @GMB has it right at the moment. Whilst I like the light-hearted side it is too much at the mo I think. Piers did bring serious news which is missed.”
Alex did receive some support from part of the GMB fandom, however, as one tweeted: “Love Alex, think he’s doing a good job, can hear myself think now piers has gone @alexberesfordTV your doing great love to see it.”
Neither Kate nor Alex addressed Alex stepping into the presenter’s role in the wake of Piers’ exit during Friday’s show.
And while the ITV pair did clash on-screen, Alex did release a lengthy statement at the time of Piers’ exit and the role the row may have played in the decision.
“There is so much that could be said. Piers departure sincerely wasn’t the conclusion I was hoping for,” Alex penned in a statement to his 254.8k Twitter followers.
“Over the last few years, Piers and I had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.
“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.”
The GMB star 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.
“Personally, Piers has always supported my growth. He’s given me advice on several occasions and for that I am grateful. I wish him well!”
Since departing GMB, Piers is yet to announce his next role. However, he did return to ITV with his Life Stories series earlier this month.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
Published at Fri, 26 Mar 2021 07:20:00 +0000
‘Bring back Piers!’ GMB viewers ‘turn off’ as Alex Beresford steps into presenter role
