Gary Lineker has said it is “sad” Piers Morgan has left Good Morning Britain, after it was confirmed the divisive host has exited the ITV breakfast show.
The broadcaster confirmed his departure a day after he made controversial remarks about Meghan Markle live on air.
ITV had faced widespread calls to axe the divisive presenter after he cast doubt on Meghan’s revelation during her interview with Oprah Winfrey that she had experienced suicidal thoughts after joining the Royal Family.
After the announcement of Piers’ exit was made, Gary was among those reacting to the news on Twitter.
The Match Of The Day host, who has a friendly but sometimes combative relationship with Piers, tweeted: “Whether it’s a football manager, a television presenter or any profession for that matter, it’s always sad when someone loses their job.”
He continued: ”@piersmorgan is excellent at what he does and I’m sure he’ll be back on the telly soon.”
However, many people were quick to disagree with him, pointing out what Piers had said about Meghan was completely unacceptable.
In a statement confirming Piers’ exit, ITV said: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain.
“ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”
The announcement came just moments after TV watchdog Ofcom confirmed it had launched an investigation into the programme, after it received over 41,000 complaints about Monday’s episode.
It said it would be probing the show under its harm and offence rules.
Piers’ comments had previously been condemned by mental health charity Mind, who work with ITV on its Britain Get Talking initiative.
“We were disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgan’s comments on not believing Meghan’s experiences about suicidal thoughts,” it said in a statement.
“It’s vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy. We are in conversations with ITV about this at the moment.”
The following day, Piers walked off set during an on-air row with colleague Alex Beresford about the Duchess, when the weather presenter questioned his repeated criticisms of her.
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.