Dermot O'Leary swaps This Morning sofa for river fishing with comedy legend

12 September 2023 , 16:25

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Dermot O'Leary joins Paul Whitehouse for a spot of fishing

Dermot O’Leary is swapping the This Morning sofa for his next passion - fishing. In a brand new mini film for the ITV daytime show, Dermot is ditching the television studio for waders and spectacular scenery alongside comedy legend - and fellow fishing fan - Paul Whitehouse.

The unlikely duo embark on a relaxing angling adventure to share top tricks and tips and reconnect with nature. It’s highly unusual for hosts of the show to venture from the studio. But This Morning chiefs are mixing things up as the programme gears up for its 35th anniversary.

A source close to the show revealed: “Viewers will get to see Dermot in surroundings that they haven’t seen him in before for the show and bosses are keen for their hosts to continue to try new ideas that might reflect passions or interests that may also appeal to their audience demographics.”

They added: “It’s the start of a new term, and whilst the show will remain true to its format with regular life saving health campaigns or makeover and transformation items - which is what This Morning do best - the team continue to look at how these can evolve and work hard to produce new items and films alongside them as the show approaches its 35th anniversary.”

Dermot joins Paul Whitehouse, who is regularly seen fishing with fellow comic Bob Mortimer on their BBC series Gone Fishing

Dermot, who has been hosting alongside Holly Willoughby this week continues to also host Friday’s with Alison Hammond. Last week Craig Doyle was paired with Holly. And fans of the show are enjoying the new-look presenting rota currently in operation, which also includes Josie Gibson.

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A source added last week: “There is a wealth of talent, and viewers are responding really well to us mixing it up.” It comes following the departure of Phillip Schofield.

The new film with Paul will air Thursday on ITV1’s This Morning from 10am.

Tom Bryant