Alex Beresford has said he did not want Piers Morgan to quit Good Morning Britain after their heated on-air discussion about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The weather presenter clashed with the broadcaster on Tuesday over his comments about Harry and Meghan’s interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey.
Morgan stormed off set during their conversation before stepping down from the ITV programme permanently later that day.
From me pic.twitter.com/n0VPkoKGeK
— Alex Beresford (@alexberesfordTV) March 11, 2021
Addressing Morgan’s departure on Twitter, Beresford said: “I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen.”
The TV host stood down after saying he did not believe the duchess’s remarks in the interview, where she spoke about her mental health and having suicidal thoughts.
Morgan’s comments were criticised by mental health charity Mind and prompted Meghan to formally complain to ITV.
The presenter has since reiterated his criticisms.
Beresford said challenging Morgan’s views was “not an outrage”.
“There is so much that could be said. Piers’ departure sincerely wasn’t the conclusion I was hoping for,” he said.
“Over the last few years, Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.
“We both wanted to be on the show on 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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
More than 100,000 people have signed a petition to reinstate Morgan on Good Morning Britain.
During Tuesday’s programme, Beresford told him: “I understand you’ve got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one, and she cut you off.
“She’s entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don’t think she has but yet you continue to trash her.”
I had one goal when I joined @GMB – beat @BBCBreakfast in the ratings.On my last day, we did it. That was down to the hard work & dedication of the whole team.They don't all agree with me, some don't even like me, but we were a team..and we won. Thanks guys. I'll miss you. pic.twitter.com/eOOmoZfmPT
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 11, 2021
Morgan tweeted on Thursday morning that he enjoyed a victory over BBC Breakfast on his final day on GMB.
“I had one goal when I joined GMB – beat BBC Breakfast in the ratings,” he wrote.
“On my last day, we did it. That was down to the hard work and dedication of the whole team.
“They don’t all agree with me, some don’t even like me, but we were a team … and we won. Thanks guys. I’ll miss you.”
During Thursday’s programme, presenter Kate Garraway labelled Morgan “passionate” and “authentic”.