The Sunday Mirror's Kevin O'Sullivan has been "astonished" by the response to the news that his TV column has been axed.
O'Sullivan also told Press Gazette he hopes the "outpouring", from the likes of Piers Morgan and Boycie from Only Fools and Horses, will prompt Trinity Mirror to reinstate him.
O’Sullivan tweeted on Wednesday: “Sad to announce that after ten triumphant years my Sunday Mirror TV column is almost over. February 21 will mark the end of an era.”
Journalists, celebrities and readers have since condemned the decision and a petition calling for O'Sullivan to be reinstated has been signed more than 300 times.
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Update – 4pm, 1 February: The petition has now been signed more than 800 times.
Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan described O’Sullivan as “one of the best critics in the business”. He said: “Hope to see your waspish literary tongue appearing elsewhere very soon.”
John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, said: “Have they lost their marbles @TheSundayMirror ? @TVKev 's column is the only thing worth reading.”
Emma Bullimore, an entertainment journalist and TV critic, said: "Genuinely – not in a suck-up-media-types way – upset to hear this. Will really miss the column.”
Presenter Lizzie Cundy said: “Very sorry to hear that . Yours is one of the most funny and best columns around.”
Daniel Kilkelly, the soaps editor of Digital Spy, tweeted: “That's a big shame, loved your sense of humour & it's one of the few columns I look forward to reading! Best of luck for what's next.”
Freelance journalist Julie McCaffrey said it was “rubbish news”, adding: “You are THE best.”
Matthew Wright, who hosts The Wright Stuff, which O’Sullivan regularly appears on, said the Sunday Mirror had lost its “best columnist”.
TV presenter Ruth Langsford tweeted: “Sorry to hear this Kevin….. Love your column, even if you're saying something horrible about me & @EamonnHolmes !”
Presenter and Coronation Street actor Les Dennis said: “Gutted to hear you're leaving. You've always been measured and fair as a reviewer. You'll be missed.”
Presenter Eamonn Holmes said: “Well what fools are they? Obviously being fair & giving insight doesn't count these days. Sorry. Always a place for you on @SkyNews.”
O'Sullivan has worked for the Mirror since 1998 and was previously showbiz and features editor. His Sunday Mirror TV column has been running since 2006.
He told Press Gazette he was disappointed to have become a "victim of stringent cuts that the Mirror have to make".
O'Sullivan said: "It would be rather nice if they reconsidered their decision. I'm clearly writing a column that people want to read."
He added: "If I was the editor, I might reconsider."
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