Alex Beresford has broken his silence after Piers Morgan quit the show shortly after their bust-up live on Good Morning Britain.
The weather reporter has issued a statement online, admitting seeing his co-star leave the show wasn't the result he wanted to see.
Alex, 40, described his on-air relationship with Piers as both "lively" and "cheeky" and insisted he's sorry to see him go despite their difference of opinions.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Alex wrote: "There is so much that could be said. Piers' departure sincerely wasn't the conclusion I was hoping for.
"Over the last few years, Piers and I have had a lively, cheeky on-air relationship. We both wanted to be on the show Tuesday morning, and from our very public conversations on Twitter, we both knew how strongly our opinions differed on the treatment of Harry and Meghan pre and post the interview that has split the world.
"I hoped we could reach a place of understanding. It's sad that we weren't able to get there, but challenging his opinion was not an outrage. On this occasion, we have to agree to disagree.
"I didn't want him to quit, but I did want him to listen.
"Personally, Piers has always supported my growth. He's given me advice on several occasions and for that I am grateful. I wish him well!"
Piers stormed off GMB on Tuesday after becoming embroiled in a heated debate with Alex over his rants about Meghan Markle.
Alex, who has a white mother and a dad with Guyanese heritage, felt strongly about Piers' most recent comments about Meghan and Harry, and told him: "This is absolutely diabolical behaviour."
The 55-year-old former newspaper editor wasn't keen on hearing Alex's point of view and walked off mid-show.
Just hours later, ITV released a statement confirming Piers had quit and would not be returning to the show.
The statement read: "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."
Speaking outside his his London home the following morning, Piers said: "I had a good chat with ITV and we agreed to disagree.
"I'm just going to take it easy and see how we go.
"I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to be allowed to have an opinion. If people want to believe Meghan Markle, that's entirely their right.
"I don't believe almost anything that comes out of her mouth and I think the damage she's done to the British monarchy and to the Queen at a time when Prince Philip is lying in hospital is enormous and frankly contemptible.
