This Morning stars Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond have broken their silence after ITV finally confirmed the appointment of the show’s full time successors to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
Phillip left ITV in May following his admission of an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a runner who worked on the programme, whilst Holly exited five months later in the wake of a foiled plot to kidnap and murder her. Since then ITV has seen seen numerous other stars fill in on a temporary basis – including Josie Gibson, Sian Welby, Craig Doyle and Rylan Clark.
On Friday morning (February 16), however, it was revealed that Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard and former CD:UK presenter Cat Deeley will front the show going forward on Monday to Thursday. Dermot and Alison will remain with the show, meanwhile, hosting every Friday instalment.
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Opening the show on Thursday moments after the announcement, Dermot and Alison began: “Welcome to the family!” Alison continued: “We’re so, so happy it’s finally out. The news is finally out.”
Dermot added: “The great thing is we know them well. Obviously I started out my career with Ben on T4 and I’ve known Cat for so long as well.” A snap of the youthful looking pair alongside fellow presenter Andi Peters then appeared on screen.
Alison continued: “I met Cat in LA for the first time around four years ago at a party and we’re both Brummies It’s going to be great. They’re so, so nice. The secret is out and they’re joining us in March. We look forward to that.”
Speaking about joining the team Ben said it felt like a “special moment”. He added: “It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.”
He said he was looking forward to spending time with his new co-star as Cat also said: “This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
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Over on X (formerly Twitter), some viewers reacted with glee to the news, with one user gushing: “Have always loved @benshephard he’s the perfect mix of fun and kindness and seriousness when needed. I’m sure it will be a great combination. Good call.” Another wrote: “Good on them for getting the presenter roles.. maybe it is time for this morning to take on a new direction and era.”
A third added: “Love @benshephard! Loved @catdeeley with Rylan too so will be interesting to see the dynamic between Ben & Cat.” And a fourth said: “Great news – love Dermot & Alison – and loved watching Cat fill in last year – Ben I feel is like a family friend – good luck to you all.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
