Ben Shephard has reassured viewers that 'Good Morning Britain' takes mental health "very seriously".
Ben Shephard
The 46-year-old presenter opened up on Thursday's episode (11.03.21) following Piers Morgan's exit this week after saying he “didn’t believe a word” of Duchess Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which she said she “didn’t want to be alive” after receiving heavy public scrutiny, and also alleged an unnamed member of the royal family had raised concerns about her son Archie’s skin colour because Meghan is biracial.
During a discussion about people suffering PTSD on the frontline, Ben said: "It is crucial we all appreciate and understand, particularly during a pandemic and what we've seen our nurses and doctors going through, the concern about the mental health impact of that and what that's going to do.
"Dr Hilary Jones is with us and I'm sure, Hilary, you've got anecdotal evidence of people on the frontline experiencing PTSD and talking about how difficult it has been to cope.
"The debate about mental health and concern is something we take very seriously and is hugely important to all of us."
Dr. Hilary Jones added that Piers "did a great deal" regarding mental health for NHS staff during the global health crisis.
He explained: "Yes and talking of Piers, he did a great deal to look after the mental health of NHS staff.
"He championed the fact they were under the cosh and that they were working very hard.
"He offered to pay their ludicrous parking fines at hospitals, and actually did that. He had a very generous heart."
Co-host Kate Garraway laughed and insisted that was still the case,
She said: "He still does, Hilary. He's not only in the studio, he's still around..."
Earlier this week, ITV revealed last night Piers had decided to depart the show following discussions with bosses.
They said in a statement: "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."
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