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Piers Morgan post-mortem: CNN's new chatter irrepressible

By April MacIntyre Jan 17, 2011, 3:54 GMT

01/06/2011 - Piers Morgan - 2011 TCA Winter Cable Press Tour - Day 2 - The Langham Hotel - Pasadena, CA, USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

CNN's Larry King replacement has worked out rather well.

Mr. Morgan, who hails from the rough-and-tumble world of tabloid reporting and daily news, has settled in to the role of America's Mother Confessor quite stunningly with his major "get" of America's 'Queen," Oprah Winfrey.

It was no accident on Martin Luther King day, Mr. Morgan's salient point was delivered as he tipped his hat to ostensibly the most powerful woman in all of America, as well as the American president, both of whom are Black, and who would have made MLK beam with pride according to Mr. Morgan.

The first time I met Mr. Morgan, 45, was at a past press day for NBC in Pasadena, California, and he graciously promised a moment to chat, but was besieged by reporters and obligations.

He radiated genuine kindness and was good-spirited on a long day that saw many celebrities looking like they were gritting their teeth just to get through it, but not him. He even broke into song with Jerry Springer and David Hasselhoff, his mates from the network show "America's Got Talent."

Then Mr. Morgan reappeared at the press tour this January for the Television Critics Association, again held in Pasadena, and addressing a room full of jaded critics, he promised to put on a real show for viewers.

Mr. Morgan delighted in sharing all his bookings and future interviews wished for, as Kate Middleton and Prince William were lauded as the "it" couple of the world, Madonna was dismissed like bad Vegemite and Howard Stern was touted as his big surprise interview along with Oprah Winfrey during his first week.

But surprisingly, after last night's Golden Globes, guest Ricky Gervais may become Mr. Morgan's Dark Horse of sorts, especially if he truthfully reveals what happened during the long hiatus where the acid-tongued Brit sort of...disappeared.

If there is anyone who will get it out of him, it will be Piers, who has also embraced social media like triple cream hugs a scone.

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