The real reason behind Piers Morgan’s absence on today's Good Morning Britain

Piers Morgan was noticeably absent from Good Morning Britain this morning - with co-host Susanna Reid sending him her "very best wishes" for a speedy recovery.

So where was he?

Piers revealed on Twitter that he has been suffering from a "mild symptom" of coronavirus in the past 48 hours. And, therefore, on doctor's recommendations stayed at home this morning.

The outspoken TV host tweeted, "UPDATE: On medical advice, and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs, I’ve had a test for COVID-19 and so won’t be working on @GMB until I get the result back, which should be tomorrow."

Ben Shepherd stepped in for Piers and presented Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid. But, Piers' absence didn't go unnoticed.

At the start of the show Susanna said, "We send our very best wishes to you Piers and promise to be on our best behaviour while you are not here."

Dr. Hilary Jones also featured on Monday's episode of GMB and explained that he doesn't think Piers' symptoms are related to COVID-19.

He explained, "Well, remember the symptoms are well-defined as to why you should self-isolate. Piers doesn't have symptoms associated with Covid-19, but as he says, out of an abundance of caution, he has taken a test and some time off."

The TV doctor joked, "I think he probably wanted a lie in - or to get his car cleaned. We will find out. Hopefully the test will be negative and he'll be back in tomorrow."

Piers' absence comes just weeks after Susanna was forced to self-isolate for 14 days after her son began to show symptoms.

Susanna and Ben also took the time during Monday's show to wish Kate Garraway a happy birthday as she turns 53 today.

She'll no doubt be having a scaled back celebration though as her husband, Derek Draper, remains in a "deeply critical" state after contracting coronavirus.

Sharing an update last week on his progress, Kate said, "I’m afraid he is still in a deeply critical condition, but he is still here, which means there is hope,” she said. “Sending so much love and support to the thousands who have had that hope for their loved ones stolen by this hideous disease. You are not along and I hope that helps give you strength to withstand the torture of grief.”

Ben Shepherd also recently revealed Kate has been able to communicate with Derek while he's in a coma.

"She wanted to share that she’s been able to speak to Derek in the evenings in the coma,” he said. “She’s been able to share music with him, to talk to him, to support him," he said.