Peter Purves left 'stunned' after being dropped as commentator for Channel Four's Crufts

The former Blue Peter presenter spoke on Good Morning Britain about the decision to let him go and admitted "I was very shocked."

Peter Purves has been left "stunned" and hurt" after being dropped as commentator for Channel Four's Crufts after 41 years.

The legendary actor and presenter, 80, spoke to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain today about the shocking decision.

Crufts is an annual dog event held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and sees canines compete in several competitions in the hope of becoming 'Best in Show.'

The former Blue Peter presenter admitted that "there's a void" there now that he's been sacked.

Piers Morgan slammed the network's decision, branding it as "ageist" and "cruel," the Daily Star reports.

Speaking about the events leading up to his sacking, Peter said: "I got an email back saying 'that's wonderful news, we'll talk to you about Crufts as soon as we can.'

"The following day I got a phone call saying 'there's no easy way to say this, but you're actually surplus the requirements, we don't need you.'"

Peter went on to say the decision came as quite the surprise as there was no warning or consensus that things needed to change.

"I was stunned," he told GMB viewers.

"There hadn't been a hint about it.

"I was very shocked. I was very hurt."

Viewers soon took to Twitter to express their frustration and blasted Channel Four's decision.

One said: "He has been a huge part of our lives. Disgraceful of Crufts."

A second added: "Peter Purves, a legend for my generation, put out to seed by Channel 4 – scandalous."

Another added: "Poor Peter Purves! Ageism goes right to the top, clearly."

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV.