14 DAY TRIAL // Larry King, the famous CNN talk show host, is about to bow down and leave television, and the network is now negotiating for a suitable replacement. One has already been found – and it’s none other than popular and beloved Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, who has already been approached with an offer for the gig and this close to inking a deal, the Daily Mail has learned.
Though the move from CNN to take down Larry King is certainly a surprising one, it’s not entirely unjustifiable, the tab says, citing well-placed inside sources. Apparently, ratings for King’s show have been going down steadily and network bosses want someone who can bring a breath of fresh air to the old format. They also seem to think that Morgan would be it – and have offered him £5.5 million to do it. For this kind of money, Piers Morgan would have to give up his position as BGT judge.
“Piers Morgan will quit Britain’s Got Talent for the chance to become the first Englishman to host a prime-time US chat show. The 45-year-old is within days of striking a £5.5 million deal with network CNN to replace Larry King. The broadcasting veteran, 76, has hosted the nightly Larry King Live show for 25 years but, within the last year, ratings have slumped by nearly half. Mr. Morgan, former editor of The Mirror, is a familiar face on the rival NBC network, where he is a judge on the hit show America’s Got Talent. He has also been a guest host on the channel’s breakfast show,” the Mail writes.
Inside sources can confirm that. “CNN bosses have been desperately searching for somebody to revamp the show. Larry’s ratings are massively down year on year – and Piers is just the chap. Piers is utterly thrilled by the prospect of the deal and knows that taking over the Larry King show means that something will have to give. America’s Got Talent finishes in mid-September, so it seems Larry will be moved to a weekend show then and be ousted from his nightly prime-time slot. Piers has discussed it all with Simon Cowell, who gave him his big break on America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, and has his blessing,” a CNN source dishes.
The good news for fans who loved to see Morgan as a talent judge is that, while he wouldn’t be able to be involved in Britain’s Got Talent, chances are high he may still hold on to his position on America’s Got Talent. As of now, an official announcement – and, for that matter, confirmation that negotiations are underway – is pending, so make sure you keep an eye on this space for more on this.