Piers Stefan O’Meara or professionally known as Piers Morgan is a British journalist and television presenter. He was born on March 30, 1985 in Guildford, Surrey, England and was raised as a Catholic. His parents were Eamon Vincent O’Meara, a dentist, and Gabrielle Georgina Sybille. His father died when he was one year old while his mother remarried afterwards. Morgan was named Piers Stefan Pughe-Morgan by his stepfather.

Morgan worked as a “de facto” editor of the show business column “Bizarre” in The Sun. He also became the youngest national newspaper editor when he was appointed as the editor of the “News of the World” by Rupert Murdoch in the year 1994. However, Morgan left his job as revealed in his autobiography “The Insider”. He became the editor of the “Daily Mirror” after leaving his job in The Insider. He was criticized for his headline “Achtung! Surrender” and was forced to apologize. He was fired on his job in The Mirror on May 14, 2004 when he authorized the publication of photographs which shows Iraqi prisoners being abused by the British Army soldiers. Morgan owned the “Press Gazette” in May 2005 in partnership with Matthew Freud. Morgan also launched a weekly newspaper targeting the children aging from seven to fourteen years old. It was named “First News” and labeled as the “Britain’s first national newspaper for children”.

Morgan also became active in television. He presented a documentary series for the BBC which was entitled “The Importance of Being Famous”. He also co-hosted a current affairs show with Amanda Platell entitled “Morgan and Platell”. He also became the judge in the American TV show “America’s Got Talent” in 2006 with Brandy Norwood as well as David Hasselhoff on NBC. The following year, he was also included in the second season of America’s Got Talent as well as in the Britain’s Got Talent with Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell. In 2008, he won the U.S. celebrity version of “The Apprentice”. Morgan was announced to be the overall winner of the show. He signed a two-year golden handcuffs with ITV1. The deal stated that Morgan will continue to be the judge in Britain’s Got Talent for at least two more series as well as with a new talk show. On September 8, 2010, Morgan was chosen as a replacement to Larry King with the show “Piers Morgan Tonight’ which will be aired on January 17, 2011.

Morgan’s first wife was Marion Shalloe whom he married in Jul1991 on Hampshire. Their children were Spencer William, Stanley Christopher, and Albert Douglas. The marriage ended up in the year 2008. He was currently married to “The Daily Telegraph’s” columnist Celia Walden.

Morgan encountered various feuds with several personalities. He had arguments with Ian Hislop in the news quiz “Have I Got News for you” on May 24, 1996. The two began their arguments when Hislop accused Morgan following him as well as watching his house. He also had a feud with Jeremy Clarkson, Madonna, and Alan Sugar.

In July 2011, Morgan was accused by political blogger Paul Staines that piers revealed a story while knowing that it has been obtained by phone hacking while he was the editor of the Daily Mirror in the year 2002. Morgan also stated in The Daily Mail in 2006 article how he heard the tapes of messages between Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills on her mobile phone.

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Piers Morgan announced that he is stepping down as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” to focus on his job as a CNN host and the upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2012.  The former tabloid editor revealed the news on Wednesday’s “Piers Morgan Tonight.”  He said that his schedule just cleared a bit because he can exclusively reveal that he is leaving “America’s Got Talent making a reference to the currently open Oscars hosting gig.

When it first emerged that Piers was in line for the 9 PM ET slot, which was then held by existing talk show host Larry King, rumors surfaced that NBC was prepared to let the Brit do the CNN show, provided he still adhered to his “AGT” commitment.  While Piers made both jobs work over the last season, he said Wednesday he no longer can do both.  According to him, he has been a judge since the show began six years ago noting that he had loved every single second but he discovered that juggling, to his surprise, is a bit more difficult that he thought.  He said he is going to focus on what will be a huge year at CNN, with the upcoming election.  Piers added a special thank you to NBC Fremantle and to his great friend Simon Cowell, for giving him such a wonderful opportunity on that amazing show.

Piers even suggested his former “AGT” co-workers would appreciate his departure.  He said that he want to congratulate Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Nick Cannon who will doubtless be relieved that they no longer have to work with him.  However, Howie suggested on Twitter that his behavior over the last season (he even barricaded Piers in a dressing room with a vending machine) might have prompted the Brit’s move.  Howie Tweeted that he guess he is more annoying than he thought noting that he will miss Piers Morgan.  Nick too commented on Twitter about Piers departure jokingly asking who’s outfits is he going to make fun of adding that they will miss him.  Meanwhile, Judge Sharon Osbourne begs Morgan to stay on the show by tweeting Piers please do not go.

On Thursday, NBC issued a statement over Piers’ departure.  According to the statement made by the President of Alternative and Late Night NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy, Piers Morgan has played an integral role in making “America’s Got Talent” a summer phenomenon for the past six years.  He added that as he moves on from the show, they wish him continued success with his international broadcasting career.

According to reports, radio personality Howard Stern is in serious negotiations to replace Piers Morgana day after the British presenter announced his departure.  Under the deal being discussed, Mr. Stern would earn abput $15 million a year in joining Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne at the “America’s Got Talent” judges table.  “America’s Got Talent is among the most popular shows on television during the summer when it typically airs, drawing as many as 14 million viewers.