Good Morning Britain viewers were divided as Ben Shephard stepped into the Monday presenting role usually occupied by the now absent Piers Morgan.
It's been close to a week now since outspoken presenter Piers quit the ITV daytime show, hours after storming out of the studio during a spat with Alex Beresford over Meghan Markle.
Since his GMB departure, petitions calling for Piers to come back have gathered over 200,000 signatures but he has ruled out a return saying: "I won’t be going back, but thanks to everyone who has signed these petitions.
"Normally, people start petitions to have me fired or deported, so this is a pleasant surprise."
A poll last week revealed Jeremy Clarkson as the top choice for Piers' GMB replacement, after 2,000 viewers were asked who they wanted as his successor.
Existing GMB presenter Ben finished second and it was him who was sat next to Susanna Reid on Monday but, as the show went on and including interviews with police officials over the distressing scenes at the Sarah Everard vigil in London, many branded Ben too "weak" to be Piers' full time replacement.
One tweeted: "Susanna and Ben are weak!! Probably different questions would be asked if @piersmorgan was there!"
Another posted: "Bring back @piersmorgan to GMB. That Ben Sheppard (sic) is alright, but lets face it, he's b*****kless. Proper boring.," and, in agreement, a third commented: "I like Ben but he’s no replacement for @piersmorgan.
"We need someone who’s not afraid to speak up and demand answers. Just like PM did during the height of Covid."
There was some support for Ben online though, with one fan reacting: "A great replacement of Mr Morgan with Mr Shephard. We love Ben & Susanna," and a second responding: "Love seeing Susanna and Ben on the show today!
"Both of them are a breath of fresh air and it’s so hear her actually speak without someone shouting.
