SUSANNA Reid paid tribute to her “outspoken, opinionated, and disruptive” former co-star Piers Morgan after he dramatically quit the show last night.
Ranvir Singh said that she was glad to be there to support Susanna throughout today’s episode as his replacement, adding: “It can’t be easy”.
Ranvir was the one to kick off the show at 6am, telling viewers that they will “discuss what’s on your mind” once her co-star joined her half an hour later.
Susanna looked emotional when she first arrived in the studio, and admitted that though she often disagreed with Piers, he will be missed.
She took a moment to pause after introducing the show, bracing herself as she prepared to break her silence.
She told fans: “A number of viewers will of course know the news and many of you will not, and be surprised that Piers isn’t here this morning.
“Piers was an outspoken, opinionated, and disruptive broadcaster. You will know I disagreed with him about Meghan’s interview.
“He himself clarified his comments on the show yesterday about her mental health. There are many voices on Good Morning Britain and everyone has their say, he had his and Piers has now decided to leave the programme.”
The presenter went on to reflect working with the star for the past five years, adding that he has “been a voice for many people” – particularly during Brexit and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
She concluded: “It’s certainly going to be very different, but shows go on and on it goes.”
Ranvir supported her co-star as she commented on the “different atmosphere” in the studio today after they’d lost their colleague.
She then clarified: “I was here anyway, so don’t read anything into this.
“I was here anyway this morning, I just shifted seats onto this brand new desk.”
Turning to Susanna she added: “I’m glad to be here to go with you on the programme today, it’s a strange morning here.”
Ranvir went on: “The decision has been made and when there are thousands of complaints about something they have to be taken seriously.
Piers received over 41,000 complaints to TV regulator Ofcom after Monday morning’s show, where he said that he didn’t believe Meghan’s claims she’d suffered with her mental health and been suicidal.
Yesterday, he stormed off set during a huge row with his GMB co-star Alex Beresford after he criticised his reaction to Meghan’s comments.
He dramatically resigned after senior execs said they wanted him to say sorry on air following his heated clash with the show’s weather presenter.
But Piers said he was not willing to apologise, and walked – bringing an immediate end to his six-year stint on the morning show.
In his first tweet since quitting he said: “Thinking of my late, great manager John Ferriter tonight. He’d have told me to do exactly the same thing. @GMB #TrustYourGut.”
