Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford has issued a statement via social media following Piers Morgan's decision to quit the breakfast show earlier this week.
Morgan handed in his resignation on Tuesday, hours after an on-air verbal altercation with Beresford led to the 55-year-old storming off set.
Beresford, who usually presents GMB's weather segments, had taken Morgan to task over his fierce criticism of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Monday's show following their interview with Oprah Winfrey - a rant which had drawn over 41,000 complaints to the TV regulator Ofcom.
"There's so much that could be said," Beresford wrote. "Piers' departure sincerely wasn't the conclusion I was hoping for.
"Over the last few years Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship.
"We both wanted to be on the show Tuesday morning and from our very public conversations on Twitter we both knew how strongly our opinions differed on the treatment of Harry and Meghan pre and post the interview that has split the world.
"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.
"I didn't want him to quit but I did want him to listen.
"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!"
Following his resignation from GMB on Tuesday, Morgan reportedly treated himself to a £400 bottle of champagne and a chicken tikka masala from Deliveroo.
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