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Amanda Holden has said she is “glad” people are seeing a “good side” to Piers Morgan during the
Coronavirus pandemic.
The Good Morning
Britain presenter is usually highly divisive and often criticised for his opinions, but has won praise for his coverage of the virus on the ITV breakfast show.
In particular, Piers has been praised for the way he has held government ministers to account during interviews. Amanda, who worked with Piers on Britain’s Got Talent until he quit as a judge in 2011, has said she “adores” the “brave” star because he “never, ever sits on the fence”.
Speaking to Metro, she said: “He is somebody that always puts things into perspective. He certainly makes me laugh, if I ever need any advice about anything, I think, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe that’s been written about me or said’, he’s always like, ‘Just think about the bigger picture or what it means’, and I adore him for that.’
“I know who he really is, he plays a pantomime baddie on GMB, but in reality he’s a very funny family man who does have huge opinions on things but is happy to listen, always happy to do you a favour.” Amanda added that Piers was one of three men in her life, along with her husband and fellow BGT judge Simon Cowell, that she could always rely upon in a crisis.
She said: “If I was in dire straits I would pick up the phone to Piers and he knows I would do the same for him so he’s a proper friend and I’m glad people are seeing a good side to him.”READ MORE: Amanda Holden Is Literally In The Money As She Wears This Completely Low-Key Outfit To Work The
Queen Of Quarantine: Amanda Holden On NHS Fundraising And The Importance Of Lockdown Laughs Piers Morgan Blasts Government's Apparent Ban On Ministers Appearing On Good Morning Britain However, while many have been impressed with Piers’ interviews with government ministers during the crisis, his direct approach hasn’t been without controversy.
More than 3,000 complaints were made to the TV watchdog Ofcom following two interviews with Care Minister Helen Whately on GMB last month.
Another 600 viewers also complained about Piers’ interview with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on 16 April.
However, the regulator announced they would not be taking the matter any further, noting that Piers is “well-known for his combative interviewing style” and viewers would expect him to challenge senior politicians.
The presenter has since hit out at a supposed government ban on any active ministers appearing on GMB, calling it “pathetic and cowardly”. The
UK Govt has banned any ministers from appearing on @GMB after a series of them made complete fools of themselves in the face of basic & important questions.This is a pathetic & cowardly response to THEIR shameful incompetence. cc @BorisJohnson. @10DowningStreet— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 7, 2020Piers tweeted on Thursday: “The UK Govt has banned any ministers from appearing on [Good Morning Britain] after a series of them made complete fools of themselves in the face of basic & important questions.”
Addressing the official
Twitter accounts for Boris Johnson and 10 Downing Street, he continued: “This is a pathetic & cowardly response to THEIR shameful incompetence.”