Farewell to the UK: Piers Morgan hosts a star-studded bash to celebrate his move to CNN's top chat show job

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 18:07 EST, 8 December 2010

 

What better way to celebrate a move to a new country than by throwing a big party in the one that you are leaving?

Veteran journalist and television host Piers Morgan is heading across the Atlantic shortly to begin his new job as a talk show host for the CNN network, replacing Larry King who retires next week.

Tuesday night the 45-year-old and his journalist wife Celia Walden hosted a lavish leaving party at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London's Knightsbridge area and the celebrities came out in force for the send off.

Excited: Piers Morgan poses with wife Celia Walden at the event at the Mandarin Oriental to mark the launch of his new US show Piers Morgan Tonight

Excited: Piers Morgan poses with wife Celia Walden Tuesday night at the Mandarin Oriental event to mark the launch of his new U.S. show

Full-length glamour: Naomi Campbell came from the British Fashion Awards, while Myleene Klass looked pretty in a full-length maxi dress
Full-length glamour: Naomi Campbell came from the British Fashion Awards, while Myleene Klass looked pretty in a full-length maxi dress

Full-length glamour: Naomi Campbell came from the British Fashion Awards, while Myleene Klass looked pretty in a full-length maxi dress

Supermodel Naomi Campbell led the way down the red carpet in a glamorous floor length gown having just  come straight from the British Fashion Awards at the Savoy Hotel down the street.

Bruce Forsyth attended with wife Wilnelia, while Holly Valance looked loved-up as she posed for photographers with boyfriend Nick Candy.

Pregnant Myleene Klass, meanwhile, went solo on the red carpet wearing a stunning gold maxi dress, which drew attention to her neat baby bump.

And Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq also arrived alone, looking pretty in a blue jumper and skirt combination.

Night out: Bruce Forsyth and his wife Wilnelia pose at the event

Night out: Bruce Forsyth and his wife Wilnelia pose at the event

Red carpet beauties: Holly Valance (left) and Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq
Red carpet beauties: Holly Valance (left) and Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq

Red carpet beauties: Holly Valance (left) and Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq (right)

Piers also received support from BBC newsreaders Kate Silverton and Emily Maitlis, who dressed up in evening outfits for the occasion.

Piers will debut as Larry King's successor on CNN in January with his show Piers Morgan Tonight.

The presenter seems relaxed about the big shoes he has to fill, even making jokes about it.

'I was talking to Bruce [Forsyth] and he said ''I've been trying to crack America for 63 years" and he said "No offence Piers - you don't sing, you don't dance, you're fairly irritating. How have you managed to do this?'"

Nighttime glamour: Andrew Lloyd Webber and wife Madeleine Gurdon also attended

Nighttime glamour: Andrew Lloyd Webber and wife Madeleine Gurdon also attended

VIP attendees: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah posed with host Piers Morgan at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

VIP attendees: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah posed with host Piers Morgan at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

But when he inherits the slot, Piers is determined to shake things up.

He said recently: 'The format, everything, will change. I’m not just going to be another man sitting in the CNN studio wearing red braces.

'What I would say is that there will be significant format changes, and the show will look and feel different and distinctive to Larry's.

'I don't want to copy him because he's a legend. You don't follow Sinatra at the Sands and try and warble My Way.'

Old chums: Piers greeted James Corden at the party

Old chums: Piers greeted James Corden at the party

Party people: Naomi Campbell had a laugh with Bruce Forsyth, while Konnie Huq enjoyed a tipple
Party people: Naomi Campbell had a laugh with Bruce Forsyth, while Konnie Huq enjoyed a tipple

Party people: Naomi Campbell had a laugh with Bruce Forsyth, while Konnie Huq enjoyed a tipple


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