dan walker piers morgan

BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker addresses rivalry with Piers Morgan after shock GMB exit

The two frequently have a war of words on Twitter

Deputy Online Editor
March 29, 2021

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker has touched upon his rivalry with Piers Morgan following his unceremonious exit from Good Morning Britain earlier this month.

The outspoken broadcaster quit the ITV breakfast show over comments he made after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's divisive Oprah Winfrey interview.

MORE: Susanna Reid bids farewell to Piers Morgan following final GMB visit

WATCH: Piers Morgan storms off GMB set halfway through show

However, over the years, Piers and Dan have repeatedly fired thinly-veiled shots at each other as their competing shows clashed in a continuous ratings war.

MORE: BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker celebrates son Joe's latest achievement

SEE: Dan Walker treated to unbelievable birthday cake made by his kids

During a chat with The Sunday Times, the BBC journalist claimed that there's "a decent bloke fighting to get out" of Piers. He said: "Piers [Morgan] and I have had a friendly rivalry, but it has been good for BBC Breakfast and GMB.

"He likes to throw a few insults around, but underneath all the froth I think there is a decent bloke fighting to get out."

Of their different approach to interviewing, Dan added: "They are very different programmes and I've always said GMB do a good job.

© Photo: Getty Images

Dan Walker has spoken about his rivalry with Piers Morgan

"Our styles are very different, but the idea that you've not done a good job unless you demand resignations and rant at the interviewee is laughable. I don't want you to know my opinion. I have no problem being seen as the more measured presenter."

MORE: Piers Morgan addresses the possibility of returning to GMB after unceremonious exit

READ: 15 most surprising revelations from Prince Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview

Dan, 44, has fronted BBC Breakfast since 2016, and has been the face of TV show Football Focus since 2009. He lives in Sheffield with his wife Sarah, their three children; Susie, 13, Jessica, 11, and Joe, 10, as well as their pet cockapoo Winnie.

After Piers confirmed his exit from GMB, Dan poked one more jibe as he tweeted: "Sorry to hear the news about your departure from GMB @piersmorgan. If you'd like to come on the UK's number 1 breakfast show to talk about it… we could make some space for you in the morning."

Piers, 55, was quick to respond, writing: "I'm surprised BBC bosses didn't storm in and drag you off set after yesterday's rating came in."

© Photo: Rex

Earlier this month, Piers decided to leave GMB with immediate effect

Dan retorted: "Congratulations on your ratings. Ours were good too. In other news... I hope my boss would have dragged me off set if I'd used my platform - on national TV - to tell a pregnant woman, speaking openly about suicidal thoughts, that I didn't believe a word she said."

Piers's departure comes after it was revealed that he is being investigated by TV watchdog Ofcom after comments he made about the Duchess of Sussex.

The organisation received more than 41,000 complaints about his remarks. Piers has been criticised for his dismissive comments about Meghan's claims about her mental health during the bombshell interview.

Make sure you never miss a story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity, royal and lifestyle news delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more