Piers Morgan confirms he’s stepping down from Life Stories and will be replaced by Kate Garraway

Piers Morgan is set to step down from hosting Life Stories after 12 years and will be replaced by Kate Garraway.

The former Good Morning Britain anchor, 56, confirmed the news in a tweet on Thursday, where he revealed his time fronting over 100 shows had ‘been a blast’. 

Fellow GMB star and close friend Kate, 54, will take over the final three episodes of the series as well as feature in her very own interview in what will be Piers’ very last show.

End of an era: Piers Morgan is set to step down from hosting Life Stories after 12 years and will be replaced by Kate Garraway

Announcing the news to his 8million Twitter followers, Piers told how he was quitting the ITV show in order to front his own global daily show.

He said: ‘BREAKING NEWS: I’m quitting Life Stories after 12 years and 100 shows. My final one will be with ⁦my fabulous friend @kategarraway and she will then present the remaining 3 planned shows of the next series as I leave ITV to host my new global daily show.’

The broadcaster added: ‘It’s been a blast!’

Stepping up: Fellow GMB star and close friend Kate, 54, will take over the final three episodes of the series as well as feature in her very own interview in what will be Piers' very last show

Stepping up: Fellow GMB star and close friend Kate, 54, will take over the final three episodes of the series as well as feature in her very own interview in what will be Piers’ very last show

Confirmation: The former Good Morning Britain anchor, 56, confirmed the news in a tweet on Thursday, where he revealed that his time fronting over 100 shows had 'been a blast'

Confirmation: The former Good Morning Britain anchor, 56, confirmed the news in a tweet on Thursday, where he revealed that his time fronting over 100 shows had ‘been a blast’

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline of his exit: ‘Piers and ITV have agreed that his interview with Kate Garraway for Piers Morgan’s Life Stories will be his last; and that Kate will take over the baton on his behalf for the remaining three episodes of the forthcoming series. 

‘We would like to thank Piers for over a hundred engaging, compelling and insightful Life Stories over the past 12 years where his interviewees have included the very best names in showbiz, business and politics. 

‘We wish him the very best of luck with all of his future ventures.’

Good friends: 'She’s been a great friend for three decades, was a wonderfully loyal and supportive colleague during my five years on GMB and is honestly one of my favourite people in the world'

Good friends: ‘She’s been a great friend for three decades, was a wonderfully loyal and supportive colleague during my five years on GMB and is honestly one of my favourite people in the world’

They added of Kate: ‘Kate is a brilliant journalist and an inquisitive interviewer and we look forward to her forthcoming three shows.’

The last three episodes hosted by Kate will be aired in 2022.

Speaking on how he feels about Kate filling his shoes, Piers said: ‘I can’t think of anyone who I would rather finish my run with than Kate. 

‘She’s been a great friend for three decades, was a wonderfully loyal and supportive colleague during my five years on GMB and is honestly one of my favourite people in the world. 

New job: Discussing her new role, Kate said: 'It’s a big job, but I’ve always loved having the chance to talk to people, both on air and off'

New job: Discussing her new role, Kate said: ‘It’s a big job, but I’ve always loved having the chance to talk to people, both on air and off’

‘The way she has handled the devastating family situation with Derek sums her up – Kate’s such a courageous, stoic, inspiring and tough cookie. She’s also had a fascinating life and I think viewers will find her story as enthralling as I know it to be.’

The broadcaster added that it was a ‘very’ tough decision to step away from  the show, adding that he’s ‘extremely proud’ of the programme.

Discussing her new role, Kate said: ‘It’s a big job, but I’ve always loved having the chance to talk to people, both on air and off.

‘Everyone has a story to tell and the wonderful thing about this show is that you have the airtime to delve into the areas of guests lives that the viewers might not know about already.

‘It’s also a chance to understand more about the bits we do already know about (both good and bad) and hear it in their own words.’

She added of her pal Piers: ‘Piers is off to pastures new and I am so happy for him, but it’s s great to be able to help out on the final three episodes of the series.’ 

On how she feels being in the hot seat for her own interview, Kate added: ‘I am always nervous around Piers Morgan. 

Moving on: The broadcaster added that it was a 'very' tough decision to step away from the show, adding that he's 'extremely proud' of the programme

Moving on: The broadcaster added that it was a ‘very’ tough decision to step away from the show, adding that he’s ‘extremely proud’ of the programme

‘But seriously though, the great thing about Piers and I is that we’ve known each other for such a long time – throughout the highs and lows – so there’s no hiding anything from him but I also know he has my best interests at heart. So, no doubt he will be tough, but it will be coming from a place of love and understanding.’

Kate’s interview will likely focus on her husband Derek Draper’s long battle with coronavirus as well as her career. 

Piers has hosted Life Stories since it began in 2009 and has chatted to a number of famous faces in hard-hitting and often emotional interviews.

Among the names he’s interview are Joan Collins, Sir Kier Starmer, Cheryl, Gemma Collins, Dame Barbara Windsor and the late Captain Tom Moore. 

Front man: Piers has hosted Life Stories since it began in 2009 and has chatted to a number of famous faces in hard-hitting and often emotional interviews (pictured with Gemma Collins)

Front man: Piers has hosted Life Stories since it began in 2009 and has chatted to a number of famous faces in hard-hitting and often emotional interviews (pictured with Gemma Collins)

Chats: Among the names he's interview are Joan Collins, Sir Kier Starmer, Cheryl, Gemma Collins, Dame Barbara Windsor and the late Captain Tom Moore (pictured)

Chats: Among the names he’s interview are Joan Collins, Sir Kier Starmer, Cheryl, Gemma Collins, Dame Barbara Windsor and the late Captain Tom Moore (pictured)

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