Piers Morgan - H 2015
AP Images/InvisionA version of this story first appeared in the Aug. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Patrick Stewart prepped for his news-anchor role on Starz’s Blunt Talk by sitting in with Jon Stewart and Rachel Maddow. But it’s another anchor, Piers Morgan, who was sure the Walter Blunt character — a Brit with emotional baggage set on transforming American cable news — is based on him.
Upon bumping into each other at BLVD, Morgan accused Stewart (jokingly) of stealing his life, a source tells THR. Stewart assured him it wasn’t true and invited Morgan to join his table. “Patrick kept assuring me Blunt isn’t based on me, but the more he tried to explain why he isn’t, the more similarities he seemed to infer! Suffice it to say I shall be watching the show with great interest,” Morgan tells THR.
Stewart’s rep did not respond to a request for comment.
The Seth MacFarlane-executive produced series premieres Aug. 22. Created by Jonathan Ames, who also serves as executive producer, showrunner and writer, the show has been prepped for two seasons with 20 episodes. In addition to Stewart, the show stars Jacki Weaver, Adrian Scarborough, Dolly Wells, Timm Sharp and Richard Lewis. Stewart also serves as a producer on the series.
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