A 2011 interview with Rosie O’Donnell – in which the US talk show host says she “banned Piers Morgan” from her show – has resurfaced.

O’Donnell told Access Hollywood that Morgan was not welcome on her self-titled talk show because “he banned Madonna for no reason when his show started, so I’m banning Piers Morgan!”

In December 2010, ahead of the premiere of his CNN talk show Piers Morgan Tonight, the presenter said that he never wanted to interview Madonna.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Morgan said: “She’s too vegan for TV. We have Lady Gaga now. so Madonna is banned from my show.”

He added that he would prefer to interview Lindsay Lohan, Barack Obama or “whoever is in the news who is relevant and current”.

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In a similar vein to people hijacking #BringBackPiers, some users on social media have begun to co-opt #TeamPiers.

#TeamPiers is now trending on Twitter with a number of people using the hashtag to show support for the ex-GMB host. However, many others are using the hashtag to share images of piers.

One user wrote: “Piers for the win #TeamPiers” alongside an image of Brighton pier.

Another added: “Southend’s is superior though, right? longest pleasure pier in the world. #teampiers x”, while someone else said: “I love piers. Especially Central Pier in Blackpool #TeamPiers.”

A fourth person wrote: “I’m definitely #TeamPiers. Seaside piers that is.”

Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly, who was interviewed by Morgan on Monday (9 March) about Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview, has voiced her support for the presenter.

“I don’t know what has happened with Piers Morgan at GMB. What I do know is he and Susanna (Reid) have been a brilliant team that took risks and became must-watch TV,” she wrote.

“In an era of free speech being stifled everywhere, Piers fearlessly speaks his mind. We need more, not fewer like that in media.”

A European Tour golfer is the latest celebrity to take aim at Morgan following his exit from GMB.

Two-time European Tour winner and world number 169 Eddie Pepperell poked fun at the presenter, who stormed off the set of GMB yesterday (10 March) when he was criticised by co-star Alex Beresford over his “trashing” of Markle.

“I’d quite like to play with Piers Morgan in the Alfred Dunhill Links this year please,” he tweeted. “We both like to drink, we’re both pretty active on Twitter. And we both like to walk off when things aren’t going well.”

Pepperell infamously walked off the course at the 2019 Turkish Open and was subsequently disqualified from the tournament.

ITV shares have fallen in the wake of Morgan’s exit from GMB.

As reported by Reuters, shares in the British broadcaster have dropped with traders attributing at least part of the dip to Morgan’s resignation from Good Morning Britain.

The publications reports that shares in ITV were down 4.9 per cent in early morning trading.

Markle’s close friend Janina Gavankar has said there are “many texts and emails to support” Markle’s statements that the royal household were aware of her mental health struggles – something that Morgan has disputed.

After the ex-GMB presenter made his initial comments on Monday (10 March) stating that he did not “believe a word [Markle] said”, he followed up the next day to “clarify his position on mental health”.

He added that his “disbelief” was over her claims that “she went to a senior member of the royal household, told them she was suicidal and was told she could not have any help because it would be a bad look for the family”.

During an appearance on This Morning, however, Gavankar has defended Markle, stating: “I know that the family and the staff were well aware of the extent of it and though their recollections may vary, ours don’t because we lived through it with them. And there are many emails and texts to support that.”

Host Phillip Schofield asked: “Are you saying that the whole family and the whole staff knew that there was a woman within the palace walls who was deeply suffering?”

“I don’t know who knew. I know that the family and the staff knew,” replied Gavankar.

If you are just joining us, here are the main points of what has happened so far:

• Susanna Reid addressed Morgan’s absence this morning on GMB
• Morgan told reporters that he will not be “cancelled” by the “woke crowd”
• Morgan said that he “fell on his sword” following exit from ITV show
• Morgan doubled down on criticism of Markle, stating “damage” done to the Queen and royal family is “frankly contemptible”
• A 2018 interview has resurfaced in which Morgan claims Markle “ghosted” him after meeting Prince Harry

The Chase star Jenny Ryan has said that Morgan’s decision to leave GMB comes as a “blessed relief”.

Ryan – who appears as a quizzer known as The Vixen on ITV’s hit show – admitted that she had previously turned down interviews on GMB due to its outspoken host.

“I’d run out of excuses as to why I could only appear on GMB during the holidays, so this is a blessed relief,” she wrote. Morgan and co-host Susanna Reid usually take a break from presenting the morning show during the holidays.

Responding to a follower who had commented that they “enjoyed Piers making examples out of incompetent politicians”, Ryan said: “A stopped clock is right twice a day!”

BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker has taken aim at Morgan in the wake of his departure from GMB.

“To all the shouty, sweary people telling me I’m nothing like you know who… thank you,” he wrote on Twitter in a likely reference to the abusive comments Walker received following his earlier condemnation of Morgan’s behaviour.

The 43-year-old continued: “If you want a programme happy to exploit issues like mental health to create controversy, division & clicks I’m delighted to say… you’re in the wrong place.”

He signed off: “Have a wonderful Wednesday.”

In the clip – taken from a 2018 interview with Irish broadcaster RTE – Morgan recalls his association with the former Suits star back in 2016.

The ex-GMB presenter claims that the pair struck up a friendship on Twitter in 2015 but that Markle eventually “ghosted” him after she went on “a solo dinner” with Prince Harry.

He added: “It hurts because I really liked her. I just think she’s a slight social climber, I’m afraid.”

Some social media users have suggested that the interaction may have been a factor in Morgan’s attitude to the Duchess in the years since.

According to PA, the official complaint that was reportedly lodged to ITV on behalf of Markle did not concern Morgan calling into question the validity of her comments, such as those she made about experiencing racism or previously having suicidal thoughts.

The publication reports that the complaint is understood to focus on how Morgan’s comments might affect mental health conversations in general, and how the presenter’s remarks may have a negative impact on viewers struggling with their own mental health.

Reports have emerged that Morgan allegedly exited GMB after he refused to apologise to Markle during Tuesday’s show (9 March).

The Telegraph reports that ITV bosses had requested that Morgan issue an on-air apology to the duchess but that the presenter refused.

The Independent has contacted a representative of ITV for comment.

Alastair Campbell has commended Morgan on “holding the government of liars and charlatans to account on Covid” although said that he “has been going over the top Re Meghan and Harry”.

The former press secretary to Tony Blair shared his thoughts about the controversial presenter in a lengthy Twitter post.

“It is possible to think as I do that @piersmorgan is one of a small number of journalists who has done a very good job holding the government of liars and charlatans to account on Covid. And that he has been going over the top Re Meghan and Harry,” he said.

Campbell added: “It is possible to think Piers is a bit of a narcissist and that he has other qualities that I admire like resilience, wit and kindness. Yes, kindness. I know of several instances where that word would apply.”

Speaking about Markle’s comments regarding the royal family, the 63-year-old said: “It’s possible to think Meghan may have been badly treated and that the Queen is a remarkable woman.”

Campbell concluded his post – which also applauded the government’s vaccination scheme – stating: “There are shades of grey in everything and we need more of them in the way we debate”.

“Ps it is not possible to support 2 football teams,” he quipped.

The trending hashtag #BringBackPiers – intended to urge ITV to reinstate the presenter in his anchor position on GMB – has been co-opted by many users on Twitter to share photos of various piers.

“We should definitely #bringbackpiers – for fun, fishing, and fresh air,” wrote one user who shared a photo of Brighton pier.

Another person quipped: “I love a good pier, it’s nice to see them getting some attention #bringbackpiers”, while a third added: “#bringbackpiers why are they getting rid of piers I quite like this one.”

Someone else said: “My heart sank a bit seeing #bringbackpiers trending but then looking and seeing so many people jumping on the hashtag and sharing actual piers is just what my soul needed this morning.”

Jameela Jamil has shared her satisfaction over Morgan’s exit from GMB.

Jamil – who has long been an outspoken critic of Morgan’s – revealed on Twitter that she had suicidal thoughts last year because of the presenter’s “relentless campaign of lies and hatred” against her.

The actor wrote: “I almost killed myself a year ago because of Piers Morgan’s relentless campaign of lies and hatred against me last February. I’m glad I’m still alive today for many reasons.

“But watching him leave GMB today is right up there and has me feeling…” Jamil shared a GIF of herself flipping her hair on the Emmys red carpet.

The Independent has contacted a representative of Morgan’s for comment.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can contact Samaritans by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting their website.

Morgan appeared to double down on his criticism of Markle this morning, calling her comments about the royal family that were given in the recent Oprah Winfrey interview a “diatribe of bilge”.

Former footballer Gary Lineker has further explained his previous statement of support for Morgan.

The sports broadcaster wrote that he disagrees with Morgan’s “bizarre, obsessive rants at Harry & Meghan”, however, added that “I also agree with some of what he says. The same as most people I know.”

He added: “Everything’s so tribal these days. You seemingly have to pick a side on absolutely everything.”

Lineker previously shared support for the presenter last night (9 March), stating: “@Piersmorgan is excellent at what he does and I’m sure he will be on the tell soon.”

Morgan has taken to Twitter in celebration of Good Morning Britain’s ratings.

“BREAKING NEWS: Good Morning Britain beat BBC Breakfast in the ratings yesterday for the first time. My work is done,” wrote the ex-GMB presenter.

Yesterday’s (9 March) episode saw Morgan abruptly leave the set of the morning show after co-star Alex Beresford criticised him for “trashing” Markle.

Morgan stood up and walked away, saying: “OK, I’m done with this.” He had returned to the show by 7.00am.

In light of his exit from GMB, Morgan also paid tribute to his “late, great manager” John Ferriter.

“He’d have told me to do exactly the same thing @GMB #TrustYourGut,” wrote the presenter.

Ferriter – whose clients also included Jimmy Kimmel, Carson Daly and Ryan Seacrest – died aged 59 from pancreatitis in 2019.