Piers Morgan’s walk-off on Good Morning Britain was one of the biggest talking points of the week, so it was only natural the Gogglebox gang would be giving their verdict on Friday night.
And sure enough, they all had plenty to say about Piers’ tantrum, which came just hours before it was announced he would be leaving the programme.
The presenter walked off the ITV breakfast show on Tuesday after a row with weather presenter Alex Beresford over Piers’ repeated criticisms of Meghan Markle, following her US TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Gogglebox families watched the drama unfold as part of Friday’s edition of the hit Channel 4 show, and they were all on Alex’s side.
As Mica Ven and her partner Marcus Luther watched Piers try to stop Alex from speaking, she said: “He usually does the weather, let him speak man.”
“Alex is ready to rip in to him, you know,” Marcus predicted.
Tom Malone added of Piers: “Shut up a minute, let somebody else have a word.”
As Piers then stormed off the set, Pete Sandiford joked: “I didn’t know you could let fireworks off at half six in the morning… I don’t get why he’s walked off because that’s just not him at all.
His sister Sophie commented: “He’s just had his arse handed to him on national TV by the weatherman.”
Tom said: “Good, get gone. Shut the door behind him.”
Marcus added: “This is amazing what Meghan and Harry story has done to the bloody world man. Everyone is tripping. I love it!”
ITV faced calls to reprimand Piers after Monday’s show, when he cast doubt on Meghan Markle’s recent claims about her mental health and her experiences of racism after joining the Royal Family.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe a word she says,” Piers said. “I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report, and the fact that she’s fired up this onslaught against our royal family, I think is contemptible.”
It was later revealed Piers had sparked more than 41,000 complaints to Ofcom, after which it was announced he was leaving GMB effective immediately.
It was confirmed on Friday that Meghan also issued a formal complaint to the broadcasting regulator, following reports she had also contacted ITV over the matter, concerned about the affect his words would have on others who are struggling with their mental health.
Piers was also criticised by mental health charity Mind, who work with ITV on its Britain Get Talking initiative.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
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.
