Piers Morgan shrugs off critics who 'want him dead'

Piers Morgan says he takes no notice of his detractors - and laughs off bloggers who want him dead.

The US chat show host, who has taken over from CNN legend Larry King, added that criticism from his predecessor was "a bit cheeky".

Morgan drew 2.1 million viewers for his debut on the Tonight show in January, which saw him interview Oprah Winfrey.

But ratings have since fluctuated and King himself said his successor had been "oversold" to audiences.

But in an interview with the Daily Mirror, of which he was once editor, Morgan insisted the most difficult aspect of the job was being away from his family.

He said: "The things these bloggers say about me - most seem to want me dead, thrown off Beachy Head with the lemmings - simply make me laugh. I don't take any notice.

"Similarly Larry King can say what he likes. The idea of being lectured for not being 'dangerous' enough by the man reputed to be the safest interviewer in town is a bit cheeky.

"So no, none of this matters. My family, my kids are what it's all about."

The former newspaper man has three children and married journalist Celia Morgan last year.

Morgan, who on Monday interviewed troubled Hollywood star Charlie Sheen, says he hopes pop star Lady Gaga will appear on his show "stark naked".

"I think she's up for it. We have broached it formally with her," he added.