Piers Morgan confirms next career move after quitting Good Morning Britain

The TV presenter, 55, thanked those who had supported him following his on-air comments about the Duchess of Sussex and her headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Morgan stood down after saying he did not believe the duchess’s remarks in the interview, when she spoke about her mental health and having suicidal thoughts.

His comments were criticised by mental health charity Mind and prompted 41,000 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom, and a formal complaint to ITV from Meghan.

Three petitions on Change.org calling for Morgan to return to GMB have since garnered a combined total of more than 196,000 signatures.

In response to the numbers, Morgan wrote on Twitter: “I won’t be going back, but thanks to everyone who has signed these petitions. Normally, people start petitions to have me fired or deported, so this is a pleasant surprise.”

Earlier on Thursday, Good Morning Britain weather presenter Alex Beresford said he had not wanted Morgan to quit the show after they had a heated on-air discussion about Meghan which led to Morgan walking off set.

On Twitter, Beresford said: “I didn’t want him to quit, but I did want him to listen.

“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.

“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 Thursday’s programme, presenter Kate Garraway described Morgan as “passionate” and “authentic”.

Morgan earlier tweeted 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.”