Dan Walker says he enjoys his spats with Piers Morgan.
The ‘BBC Breakfast’ host – who joked that the broadcaster is "obsessed" – has admitted he relishes the programme’s ratings rivalry with ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’.
In an interview on TV podcast Series Linked, Dan said: "It’s all good fun. I spent most of my life ignoring him (Piers) and he spends most his being obsessed with us!
"We have a very good relationship and we get on very well. I think it annoys him immensely that despite all the effort they put in and the drama and all the headlines and everything they create that they still get half our audience, but we have a very loyal audience on ‘BBC Breakfast’ and we’re very thankful for that.
"And I think it’s great that people have a real choice in the morning now. And that’s good."
Despite the teasing jibes, Dan did have high praise for both Piers and his presenting partner Susanna Reid for the work they do.
He added: "And Susanna and Piers and everyone else in that programme, they do a great job and it’s a really watchable program. But we’re also really proud of what we do and I think the fact that so many people still choose to watch us in the morning is testament to that, and I think it’s great that viewers have got a good choice."
He also had some kind words for his own co-host Louise Minchin, as he described her story as "very insprational".
He said: "She’s brilliant. She’s a great person to work alongside. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her, and working alongside her. She’s formidable. In a nice way. She blows my mind with what she does with triathlons, and she’s constantly jumping in river or cycling up a mountain or whatever she’s preparing for next. "Some representing UK in her age bracket. It’s just, I think it’s very inspirational for a lot of women particularly that Louise took up running and triathlon and now she’s traveling around the world every now and again and representing Britain in doing it.
"I think that’s a great story, and I think, actually, it’s had a big impact on all areas of her life, really, and I think she’s a great person to sit next to in the morning, and for three and quarter hours and see what’s happening in the world."
It seems the pair also enjoy spending time together outside the studio.
Asked if they ever hang out off air, he added: "We’re actually hanging out this week. I think last time we went out, and very strange showbiz night. It was after the NTAs and we got a drink afterwards and sort of just wandered the streets for a bit and ended up buying some Scotch Eggs in a Tesco Extra. That is the way we roll on breakfast."
BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker loves rivalry with Piers Morgan
