‘I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen’: Alex Beresford speaks out after Piers Morgan leaves Good Morning Britain

Alex Beresford has spoken out to say he didn’t want Piers Morgan to quit Good Morning Britain.

Piers announced his departure from the ITV daytime programme on Tuesday, hours after he clashed with Alex and stormed out of the studio over his opinions on Meghan Markle’s tell-all Oprah Winfrey interview.

‘There is so much that could be said. Piers’ departure sincerely wasn’t the conclusion I was hoping for,’ Alex wrote in a statement.

‘Over the last few years, Piers and I have had a lively, cheek 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.

‘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.’

Alex added: ‘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!’

During Tuesday’s programme, weather presenter Alex defended Prince Harry and Meghan during his discussion with Piers.

‘I understand you’ve got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one, and she cut you off,’ he said at the time.

‘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.’

Piers stormed out of the studio at this point, saying: ‘I’m done with this. Sorry. You can trash me, mate, but not on my own show.’

ITV later released a statement announcing Piers had permanently left Good Morning Britain.

‘Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain, it read.

‘ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.’

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