Susanna Reid has revealed she was apprehensive when she learned Piers Morgan would become her co-host on Good Morning Britain, recalling a six-word reaction to her editor: "what on earth are you doing?"
Reid, 55, has presented the ITV programme since 2014 and currently fronts the show three days a week alongside Ed Balls, 59. Before Balls, however, Morgan was announced in 2015 as one of the main presenters, hosting alongside Reid for three days a week.
First Impressions and a Quick Friendship
Speaking on the Woman & Home podcast, Reid said she did not know Morgan personally before they worked together. "I knew of him, and when I was told he was going to be the co-presenter, I remember taking my microphone off, going to the dressing room with my editor and going 'what on earth are you doing?'"
Her concerns were quickly eased as the pair built a close friendship. "He's one of those presenters - one of those journalists - who has international name recognition. I was lucky to work alongside him," she said.
Reid credited Morgan with teaching her about journalism: "Not least because he taught me so much about journalism, the way you question people. He was like a dog with a bone when it came to interviewing politicians. He was utterly ruthless. But I learned a lot about being persistent and being determined and I'm very grateful to him."
A Stormy Exit and Reconciliation
Their working relationship ended abruptly in March 2021 when Morgan stormed out of the studio after a heated debate with Alex Beresford about Meghan Markle and never returned.
Reid admitted the exit strained their friendship temporarily. "When it all ended in tears, and he stormed off the programme, we did have a period of time - a very short period of time - where it was very fragile. Because obviously it's been very emotional. But we very quickly patched it up," she explained.
She added: "From there we have maintained a friendship because he's a really important person in my life. That five years of GMB was very impactful for viewers, and he's also just great fun. You know, I just love hanging out with him."
A Return to GMB
Morgan made a return to Good Morning Britain earlier this year, reuniting with Reid to discuss Andy Burnham's appointment as prime minister.
Reflecting on their friendship, Morgan said: "I think in most relationships, you have a few years off after a very intense marriage, [which] is what we had. And then after time, all the little annoying things, like the way you used to chew your pen, all that stuff, it all just fades away and we remember the good times."
