Notes from Barbados…
February 25, 2009
What a crazy few weeks! I’m used to being quite busy, but this has been ridiculous. My ITV chat show came straight after my ITV travel series ended, so there’s been no escape for the viewers, and no escape for me from the relentless round of interviews you have to do to promote your programmes these days. Not that I’m complaining too loudly - as you may have realised, I do rather enjoy blowing my own trumpet on the nation’s airwaves.
Everyone seems keen to ramp up my ‘feud’ with Jonathan Ross, which I’m more than happy to do as he’s been sticking it to me in public for the last year or so, for reasons I still don’t fully understand. But I’m definitely from the ‘you start it, I’ll finish it’ school of thought when it comes to this kind of thing, so you can assume I was quietly pleased to see my first chat show with Sharon Osbourne peaked at over 5 million viewers, a million and a half more than Mr Ross. Take that, you boring, pensioner-insulting, thin-skinned old comic-book lover…
The five other shows in my series are with, Sir Richard Branson, Jordan (aka Katie Price), Ulrika Jonsson, Sheila Hancock and Richard Madeley. All of them sat for two hours in front of me, and a live audience, with no warning of questions, and no permission to plug anything or lay down any conditions. And the result is proper raw chat, with none of the usual sycophantic agent-controlled nonsense you usually get with chat shows these days. All of them produced lots of revelations, too, some of them quite shocking, so I’d definitely tune in!
I’m currently in Barbados, fending off the paparazzi (the gutter press get everywhere these days..ha ha), having dinner with various England cricketers, and hanging out with Sir Cliff Richard for a forthcoming ITV documentary on his 50 years in showbusiness.
I’m also, as you may have read, in talks with Jade Goody’s people to possibly interview her when I get back, if her health is up to it. I feel so desperately sorry for her, and if I can help her raise money for her kids’ future, and raise awareness for cervical cancer screening in the process, then I will do what I can. I’ve interviewed her before, in much happier circumstances, and was really touched when I heard that she wanted me to interview her again now for ITV. Jade’s a little fighter, and I’ve always had a soft spot for her. The whole country is living her appalling situation, and I think everyone has changed their view of Jade. She’s an extraordinary young woman.
February 25, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Sam says
Your show is great Piers, Sharon was fantastic as usual! But Jonathan Ross is far from boring and his show is great!! lay off wossy he’s a national treasure and tv was boring without him when he was suspended!
February 25, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Samantha says
Yeah, you go Piers! Who is Ross to insult you? He ruined his career and unlike you, he won’t pick himself up and get back in the game again, he’s gone too far for that.
The Sharon Osborne show was great. Very funny and moving at times, she really is a fantastic woman and really looking forward to the next episode.
February 25, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Trish says
Hi ya Piers
You are spot on as usual, my only issue is that perhaps you should shout a little louder as I understand Mr “Woss” is having trouble with his hearing of late as a result of his head being so far up his own …. that it is blocking his eardrums…
Give my love to my favourite place…
Trish FB!
February 26, 2009 at 9:35 am
sheila rawson says
what a refreshing man to have on our screens
we enjoy watching him may he do more T V
long may he be chat show host and be the next Parky
sinceley Sheila
February 28, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Tracey says
I really loved your interview with Sharon Osbourne, Piers. Sharon’s a lovely really honest woman and it was great to see an interviewer ask the right questions for once. Any chance of you interviewing Marco Pierre White on your show? The man’s gorgeous, erudite and the best chef Britain’s ever had.
March 2, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Linda Olivier says
Does Piers Morgan still do interviews with people regarding official complaints with Hospitals if he knows about awful patient treatments?
Regards, Miss Linda Olivier.
March 8, 2009 at 8:42 pm
peter gilmore says
The only interviewer on tv .ross has got a big ego and it is all about him.You have taken over from the master micheal parkinson and you are great keep it going.Only 1 grumble why not on sat night instead of sunday a bit late.
March 8, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Rog says
Piers I have to confess I’ve never been your greatest fan (despite hailing from the same few square miles of the country), but I have to say I think your new series “Life Stories” is fantastic. At last, proper interviews by a proper interviewer; one who is prepared to ask the awkward questions, listen to the answers (shouldn’t be so unusual, but it is), and follows up with the right next question. Such a change from the usual diet of banalities and promotional fawning. I think this is your true calling - you are the best since Parky. Hope you get a new series. Cheers, Rog.
March 11, 2009 at 1:59 pm
speciosa says
hi piers, its the first time i come on your site.
and i think its a great site.
i’m from belgium and i’m a big fan from you.
you are the best and so a friendly man.
i wisch i could meet you . with love and greetings
spacyxxxx
March 11, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Beth says
Hi Piers,
I’m from the States, any way I can enjoy these interviews too?
I’m also looking forward to your interview with Jade Goody, if it happens. It’s so sad to see what is happening to her.
Best Wishes,
Beth
March 11, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Henderson says
You say regarding Jade Goody: “The whole country is living her appalling situation”. I don’t think so. Nice try though. Best Regards.
March 13, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Skidge says
HI Piers
I really enjoyed the Katie Price interview. Although I wouldn’t ever pursue her original line of work, I liked her honesty, and she is one savvy business woman.
I followed your interviews on BBC last year, and think you are getting better! Just wish they had paid to keep you, as I hate the adverts during interesting bits!
March 13, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Tracy says
Hi Piers
Im enjoying the Piers Morgan`s life stories!!!!! I am also looking forward to Britains Got Talent aswell!!!
March 13, 2009 at 10:57 pm
emma finnerty says
i’m in love with Piers!!!
<3
March 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm
speciosa says
hi piers i whriting a book about you.
just story’s like you do. if you want too read them just email me ? greetings and with love spacyxxx
March 15, 2009 at 2:23 am
Dave says
Hi piers,
I like your honesty, Your game is real its all about the (benjamins).And for wossy dont waste your breath he is a spent force mate.
Keep doing what your doing you are truly refreshing!
March 15, 2009 at 11:14 pm
barbra taylor says
luv your show just watched shelia hancock, brilliant u beat ross all the way wasn’t a fan till started to read you in sunday mag now your show is the one i look forward to keep it up
March 16, 2009 at 12:37 am
Yvonne says
i just saw your interview with sheila hancock. You have the most relaxed and genuine approach. You have a true boyish charm about you that no woman can resist. I think you can make a public interview almost like an intimate chat over cocktails. I do not know you. I do not know your history - except what I read on the internet. You are a most interesting man. You are.
March 16, 2009 at 10:03 am
Barbara Kent says
Bravo Piers. I don’t know where you get the energy with all your activities both there and here in the States. Looking forward to America’s Got Talent. You make the show!
Love your work. Barbara
Thanks again
March 16, 2009 at 3:27 pm
lizzy say says
hi piers,
i lov to watch your show, it is brillaint.hope you do it again next time, i’m looking forward to watch britains got talent, i can’t wait.
you are the best.
lizzy
March 16, 2009 at 4:12 pm
David Gillam says
HI. Dunno if you read these comments, would be nice if you do. I think your new show is great, have watched all of them and felt i learnt a lot more about the interveiwees.
I (like someone else stated) live very close to where you are from, well inface almost next door, i live in Newick. I did say hello to you and KP when you came to newick for the village day. I’m also in my last year at chailey secondary school.
Hope alls well.
David Gillam
March 16, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Samantha says
Just wanted to say i am really enjoying your new show! Great interviews so far and was really impressed by Shiela Hancock…so honest and such a lovely lady. Looking forward to the next episodes. So much better than Mr Ross who never seems to ask decent questions and is too smutty for most peoples liking.
Looking forward to reading your new book too (read all the others and loved them!!)
Best wishes.
Samantha
March 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Angelika says
Funny old thing that all good shows start way late, dont get repeated the next day and leave the want for more. Keep the interviews comming, much more fun thenross, Norten at all
March 17, 2009 at 10:45 am
bubblesgalore says
o piers, i just love the way that you write.. i find your book/blogs and your interviews so compelling and witty. i love hearing about your ego, as its so so truthful, and very tongue in cheek. dont bother with wossy, you’re bigger than all that. he has had his time, and in my opinion blown it.. very stale and not worth the money he is being paid. funny yeah, but not that funny. but enough of him. keep up the good work
March 18, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Sheila Berry says
Piers, I have so much admiration for you,.
its a pity that we don’t have more honest people like you instead of that pathetic Jonathan Ross, you are in a different class to him altogether!
I am really enjoying reading about your forthcoming book in the Daily Mail and looking forward to reading the real thing.
Well done for all you have achieved and good luck in the future.
Best regards
Sheila Berry
March 20, 2009 at 12:17 am
Steve Bruce says
Great show. I like the fact that you unashamedly lap up the celebrity lifestyle and admit to wanting to be more famous, make more easy money and generally bask in the benefits of being a ‘personality’ in the media. Take the media World for all it will give you as one day you’ll be 80 and look back with a smile at the fun you had, never having taken it all too seriously and having had a ball.
March 20, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Deborah Dempsey says
Hello Piers, Last week I started a re-read of the Insider, it’s something I have never done before, it’s great for refreshing the memory. I’m really looking forward to the release of your new book on 26th.
Your new show is a long overdue insight into the world and lives of celebrities - worts and all! Keep up the work and oh yes you ARE way ahead of Ross in my estimation a much more investigative interviewer asking the questions which most of us would like to ask.
Enjoy your career and all of the benefits - you work hard for it.
Xx
March 20, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Andrew says
I always look forward to watching your show every sunday night.
March 23, 2009 at 8:36 pm
sanjay says
sorry to hear about jade goody, she spoke from the heart and got condemmed for it….She was not a racist,I felt for her at the time, the media and press just ganged up on her. She was a brave lady and a great mother, may she rest in peace,,,It would have been nice to see you interview her.
March 25, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Samantha says
Spotted you Piers at the hotel i was staying at. Had no idea you were meeting up with Sir Cliff Richard else i would have pestered you as i have been such a big fan of his for years and go to all his concerts.
That has been the nearest i will get to him i think.
March 30, 2009 at 8:02 am
Rozanne says
Happy Birthday babes,hope you have a great day,loved all your shows so far,read your books i think you`re fantastic,Ilove you and can not wait to read your new book.have a great day.
March 31, 2009 at 9:46 am
Irene Hughes says
Mr Morgan, you are fabulous! Your Sunday night programme is excellent. best TV I’ve enjoyed in a long, long time. Jonathan Ross, doesn’t come anywhere near. You are GOOD.
April 10, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Zion says
You are a good guy.
April 11, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Gwen says
MArry me Piers! I think you’re absolutely charming…. x
April 15, 2009 at 3:51 pm
J. Malone says
Susan Boyle was terrific. Your show gave her the break she needed. I hope it works out for her.
Joe in Philly
April 15, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Helen says
Piers ,If you could interview anyone in the world who would it be and what would you most like to ask them?
April 18, 2009 at 12:54 am
john b says
Susan Boyle - First impressions do count in our opinions of others.The initial view of appearance - visual contact - defines how we treat each other, without knowing the person. These are preconceived and this lady is probably the greatest misconception of judging a book by its cover that i have ever seen or been guilty of.A voice of an Angel with spirit that humbles all before her.I also think that everyone who saw this may be slightly less eager to form opinions on appearence sake in the future.I certainly hope that i have learned that.I will do my best to be so.The programme embarresed me by taking me down a peg or two.Perhaps we all needed it.
April 22, 2009 at 4:19 am
Michaline Siera says
Piers, the look of appreciation and humility in your eyes as Susan Boyle’s powerful voice and magnanimous soul filled the auditorium was genuine and appreciated, and made up for your disregard and disrepect of her when she appeared on the stage with her steadfast grace, honesty and patience.
Let your heart continued to be touched by this remarkable woman. The outcome will be more than you ever imagined, and your life (and ours) will be the better for it. Kindest regards.
May 11, 2009 at 3:14 pm
ragamuffin says
Piers/ maybe you can interveiw me when i of course have the time ha ha infact i will do it free hows that for a good mate /j
May 26, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Emily says
sexy you!
November 5, 2009 at 6:07 am
stupidgirl says
piers~ i just want to say, i love u~
u are a cute , a sexy, a handsome man~
February 12, 2010 at 10:24 pm
nic says
Piers
I missed your interview with cliff, I cant find it anywhere, please help,
best regards
Nic