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The times former-Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan made the headlines in Kent

Piers Morgan has been at the forefront of social media over the past few days, but it isn't the first time he's made headlines in Kent.

It was announced this evening the controversial co-host of ITV's flagship morning news programme, Good Morning Britain, will be stepping down from his role following comments he made about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Piers Morgan has left Good Morning Britain. Picture Nick Johnson
Piers Morgan has left Good Morning Britain. Picture Nick Johnson

Even though this may be the headline that sticks out in his rollercoaster of a career, Morgan has brought controversy to Kent on a number of occasions.

In April last year, he accused care minister and Faversham MP of laughing during a Good Morning Britain interview about the coronavirus death toll in care homes.

In 2016, the straight-talking journalist escaped censure over comments he made to a former Christian magistrate who was sacked over his view on gay adoption.

In an interview with Richard Page, of Grigg Lane, Headcorn, Morgan branded him a homophobe and said he could see why at the time, Lord Chancellor Michael Gove, had sacked him.

Mr Page was initially disciplined for telling fellow magistrates he did not believe same sex parents were the best option for a child. The comments were made behind closed doors during an adoption case.

MP Helen Whately was accused of laughing by Piers Morgan during the car-crash interview on Good Morning Britain. Picture: ITV
MP Helen Whately was accused of laughing by Piers Morgan during the car-crash interview on Good Morning Britain. Picture: ITV

It hasn't all been negative news, as in May 2019, Morgan stayed true to his word and donated £1,000 to Lukas Bates' fundraiser page after his iconic Big Ben costume for the London Marathon went missing.

Mr Bates, from Maidstone, told KentOnline he never wanted to keep the costume, as it would never have got inside his home in Perryfield Street.

Kent comedian Lee Hurst was branded a 'selfish ****' by Morgan after he refused to wear a face mask in Morrisons in October last year.

Morgan said: "Imagine finding the simple task of wearing a mask to help save lives so intolerable. Then imagine BOASTING about it? Just pathetic."

Earlier this evening, it was announced he would be leaving Good Morning Britain.

Morgan donated £1,000 to Lukas Bates' fundraiser after his Big Ben costume was returned. Picture: Alzheimer's Research UK
Morgan donated £1,000 to Lukas Bates' fundraiser after his Big Ben costume was returned. Picture: Alzheimer's Research UK

TV watchdog Ofcom launched an investigation into Morgan's comments after they received more than 41,000 complaints about his remarks on the show.

The presenter made dismissive remarks about Meghan’s claims to have had issues with her mental health.

Watch KMTV's report on councillors calling on the Royal Family to address allegations of racism after the interview

After a clip aired of Meghan discussing her issues with mental health and suicidal thoughts and royal official's knowledge of them on the GMB show, Morgan said during the programme: "I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she says.

"I wouldn't believe her if she read me a weather report."

The presenter stormed off the set of the programme on Tuesday following a heated discussion with his colleague, Alex Beresford, about the tell-all interview.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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