Report: ITV wants Susanna Reid to "take control" of Good Morning Britain

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: March 31 2021 | 14:17

Last updated: April 5 2021 | 16:06

ITV is reportedly considering not hiring a direct replacement for Piers Morgan as co-host to Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain.

ITV is reportedly looking to refocus Good Morning Britain around Susanna Reid as a "solo star" following Piers Morgan's departure from the show.

Morgan quit the breakfast programme earlier this month amid growing pressure following his fierce criticism of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Multiple names have since emerged as his potential replacement, including Judge Rinder, Ranvir Singh, Richard Madeley and Ben Shephard, but according to The Sun, ITV may decide against hiring a new permanent co-host for Reid.

"Piers's sudden departure has, of course, put a rocket up everyone," a source told the newspaper. "But what ITV needs now, more than ever, are calm heads and someone to steady the ship.

"Susanna has proven herself a consummate broadcaster for the past ten years - and clearly has the star factor.

"She is smart, feisty and opinionated. She may have been Piers's foil for the past five years, but she's so much more than this - and now it's very much a case of The Susanna Show.

"ITV have offered her their full backing, and she will have even more editorial say going forwards."

The newspaper says that the broadcaster will not make a final decision on the show's presenting arrangements until September.