Dr Hilary Jones has found himself on the receiving end of online criticism after speaking out in defence of his friend and former colleague, Piers Morgan.
Controversial Piers quit Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after remarks he made about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey sparked a furious backlash.
Meghan logged a complaint with ITV over the nature of Piers’ coverage, which included casting doubt on her claim that she had struggled with suicidal thoughts.
And now medical expert Dr Hilary has given his thoughts on Piers as an individual – branding him a “champion of the little people.”
He told Ben Shepherd and Kate Garraway – who also spoke of Piers as a friend during today’s show – that “we should not forget” Piers.
Quizzed on his thoughts, the Health Editor remarked: “But you know, he took politicians to account and he asked the secondary question.
“He did not just let it go when a politician gave him the first answer. He probed and he pushed.
“He was well researched and I think he did champion the little people, and the people who had no voice.”
Dr Hilary added: “And I think we should not forget him. He is generous to a fault and very loyal. We all know him off screen, personally.
“And, yes, of course he had his strong opinions and that polarises people into either complaining or praising and he was always going to get his critics.
“But you know, people often should louder when they are criticising rather than praising.”
And some viewers took to Twitter – not happy that Dr Hilary had spoken in Piers’ defence.
“Why are Kate & Hilary backing up Piers this morning on #GMB?” one tweeted.
A second queried why they defended Piers, who they claimed had been “captain of his own demise.”
A third posed: “Curious to know what ministers and when did piers hold to account and what results did he directly get??? I don’t think of any ..?”
A fourth referenced Piers’ final show, during which he stormed off set following a heated clash with Alex Beresford over his coverage of the interview.
They wrote: “yes I believe in freedom of speech but when someone is constantly putting his point across about something and someone else says their point (which he doesn’t like) and walks off set i think is appalling behaviour. I also say its GMB NOT The Piers Morgan show!!!”
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] if you’d prefer to write down how you feel. You are not alone.
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/gmbs-dr-hilary-hot-water-23680226