Dermot O'Leary replaced on This Morning in sudden switch-up as fans 'switch off'
Alison Hammond was joined by a familiar face on This Morning - but it wasn't Dermot O'Leary.
Paddy McGuinness made a surprise appearance on the ITV show as he hopped over from the BBC to stand in for the presenter. The reason for Dermot's absense was unexplained as Alison thanked him for coming in as he proceeded to blurt out that he had Dermot and Ben "tied up in his dressing room".
After enjoying an operatic performance from Wynne Evans to mark St David's Day, Paddy appeared delighted as he punched the air after the song and exclaimed: "That's what we want!"
"Hello and a very warm welcome to your Friday's This Morning and a Happy St David's Day," Alison began, before grinning and throwing an arm around Paddy's shoulder. "Paddy McGuinness! How are you? It's so good to see you!"
"I'm alright," he replied. "I'm giving us 20 minutes before we're taken off air!" Denying that was the case, she laughed and said it was "going to be fine" before gesturing to his outfit. "We always knew this was going to happen, didn't we. This was always going to happen! You look so good!"
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"I had to put another t-shirt on because my nipples have got a mind of their own!" Paddy quipped. But she added: "Seriously, thank you for coming in. Dermot's having a little day off today." He responded cheekily: "Well, I've got Dermot O'Leary and Ben Shephard tied up in my dressing room and that's how I like it!
Alison Hammond was joined by Paddy McGuinness this morning (ITV)And fans were left a little bemused by the sudden last minute change, with one commenting: "First Top Gear, then A Question of Sport now this, who is Paddy McGuinness’ agent? #thismorning." While another unimpressed fan commented: "Paddy Mcguiness presenting, no thanks..see ya." A third asked: "Paddy McGuinness on #ThisMorning ? What fresh hell is this ..."
However, others liked the unusual presenting line-up, with one commenting: "I must be the only one who likes Paddy McGuinness as a presenter #ThisMorning." While another wrote: "Reading all the negativity and nastiness is draining. I, for one, am enjoying Paddy presenting, I love Alison, and the puppy is, of course, gorgeous. Fed up of moaners. If you don't like it, turn over or off."
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were confirmed last month as the new official presenters who will front the show following Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's exits last year. Alison and Dermot will continue to host the show on Fridays and during the school holidays., with the new duo set to kick off their presenting duties this month.
Alison told viewers in February: "The secret is out! And they’re joining us in March so we’re looking forward to that." While ITV said: "ITV’s flagship and longest running daytime show, This Morning, today announced Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are to join the This Morning family next month."
Their official start date has now finally been revealed as Monday 11 March. Sharing the news, Ben said at the time: "This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. 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. For the last ten years, I've been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat, welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved."
Cat added: "This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it's on, it's like having your friends over - funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships! 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."
The move has left Ben quitting his job on Good Morning Britain after 10 years on the morning show. Posting a photo of himself alongside his GMB co-stars, he said: "Ten years has flown by at GMB. I’ve loved every minute, (well not those minutes immediately after the alarm goes off at 3.30am) but all the others have been incredible.
"As have these amazing women I’ve been lucky enough to sit alongside, work with, laugh with and on the odd occasions drink with! I will miss working with them and the whole team - and I’m very grateful that they are just next door so that whenever I get nostalgic I know they aren’t too far away."
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