“Piers Morgan for Prime Minister. Why not?”
The TV presenter and author on running for PM, the death of woke and how men on fat jabs are “boring”.
The TV presenter and author on running for PM, the death of woke and how men on fat jabs are “boring”.
I was 60 earlier this year and I now take more care of myself than I did 30 years ago. I watch what I eat and exercise more – I’ve even taken up boxing. And, no, it’s not because I keep getting into fights. The only person who ever landed a fist on me was Jeremy Clarkson at the 2004 Press Awards. It wasn’t much of a punch, but it did leave a scar above my right temple. My Harry Potter scar.
My wife, Celia [Walden], has been writing about men being on fat jabs, but I’m not one of them. I do know some men who’ve had them, and they’ve lost muscle mass and appetite, and don’t want to go to the pub. They’re scrawny and boring. I still like a nice bottle of wine and good food but, as Oscar Wilde said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation”.
Celia and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this year. She didn’t remember. When I reminded her, she said, “Serial killers get less than that!”
In 2021, I walked away from the Good Morning Britain job because this is a democracy, and no one should be “compelled” to believe anything. Journalists are naturally sceptical, and I didn’t believe some of the things that were said by Harry and Meghan in their interview with Oprah Winfrey.
It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but it’s how you deal with setbacks that defines your life. That’s something I learned from the strong women I grew up around who never let life’s ups and downs get the better of them.
My mother Gabrielle is still going strong at 81, as is my stepdad Glynne at 83. My biological father died when I was one, so he's the only dad I’ve known. He broke a few ribs the other week, but he barrelled on through.
The only thing I have to complain about is that he’s a Tottenham fan.
“Woke” is on its last legs, and I’m hoping my new book, Woke Is Dead, will be the final death knell. For a few years now, we’ve been told that black is white, green is blue, men are women, and ordinary people have had enough.
Donald Trump gets mentioned a lot in the book. You might not like how he expresses himself, but you can’t deny that his core instincts resonate with the people of the US.
There has been talk about “PM for PM”: Piers Morgan for Prime Minister. Why not? Right now, there are a lot of people in this country who feel betrayed by successive governments, whether it’s over the NHS, stopping the boats or the state of the roads.
What would be in my manifesto? A 1% tax on income that would go straight to the NHS. And, taking a leaf out of Trump’s book, I would call President Macron and tell him that unless he did something about the boats, we would tax French imports by 1,000%. It’s time to get tough!
Viewing figures for mainstream TV news are tumbling, and last year I started my own YouTube channel [Piers Morgan Uncensored].
I’ve got over four million subscribers and three-quarters are under 45. We are a forum for debate that welcomes all voices. Donald Trump has promised me an interview.
My kids and I disagree about loads of stuff [Piers has three sons – Spencer, 32, Stanley, 28, and Bertie, 24 – with first wife Marion Shalloe, and a daughter – Elise, 13 – with Celia].
I’m glad because I’ve always encouraged them to be honest and forthright, and to treat my opinions with the derision they may occasionally deserve.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the US, but this country will always be my home. When I’m away, I miss things like pubs, cricket, Arsenal, friends and family.
Going to my local is a great leveller. Everyone taking the mickey, making sure I’m not getting too full of myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love America and its people.
Having a house in Beverly Hills is a lot of fun. The other day, I was out walking and Al Pacino went past me. That was quite a moment.
Woke Is Dead, by Piers Morgan, RRP: £22 (HarperCollins), out on 23 October.
(Hero image credit: Getty Images)
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