PIERS MORGAN QUITS GOOD MORNING BRITAIN

An ITV statement said: "Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add."

It follows the news that OFCOM were to launch an investigation. OFCOM said in a statement: "We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules. As of 14:00 on Tuesday 9 March, we have received 41,015 complaints about the programme."

UPDATE: Piers reportedly quit after refusing to give an on-air apology.

An 'ITV Source' told The Sun: "Piers was not going to back down. He was asked to make an apology but refused. He says he is entitled to his opinion and is always going to stand by it...

When he refused to apologise, there was a stand-off. And ultimately it ended with him telling producers he would not host the show anymore. His contract was coming to an end this year anyway, but he said he wouldn’t do the job unless it was on his terms...

"The growing pressure from building Ofcom complaints and a swell of anger on social media gave bosses no choice but to try and get him to apologise. Unfortunately there were also a lot of concerns raised with the GMB production team too. Charity Mind also expressed their concerns to senior execs at ITV saying it clashes with their campaign."