Piers Morgan allegedly quit Good Morning Britain after being asked to make an on-air apology for his comments about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
TV regulator Ofcom received over 41,000 complaints following Monday's episode of the breakfast show, which saw Morgan launch into an angry tirade about the couple for their bombshell TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
On Tuesday's episode - which turned out to be his last - Morgan at one point stormed off the set after colleague Alex Beresford took him to task over his rant.
ITV is said to have held a meeting with Morgan later on Tuesday asking him to apologise, as his criticism of Markle in particular could be seen as being at odds with the broadcaster's Britain Get Talking mental health campaign.
"Piers was not going to back down," a source told The Sun. "He was asked to make an apology but refused. He says he is entitled to his opinion and is always going to stand by it.
"When he refused to apologise, there was a stand-off.
"His contract was coming to an end this year anyway, but he said he wouldn't do the job unless it was on his terms."
The newspaper went on to say that Morgan's co-host for more than five years, Susanna Reid, was seen leaving the building "in tears" after "a series of meetings".
"It's been a difficult 24 hours for Susanna, too," the source added. "She's exceptionally close to Piers, but is now left holding the baby.
"She also doesn't want to look like she condones his behaviour as she often disagrees with him, but respects his right to have an opinion."
Good Morning Britain returns to air without Morgan at 6am on Wednesday morning.
Neil Wilkes
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