The Bank Holiday brought a new face to ITV's This Morning show and, according to viewers, it was a 'fresh' face, which surprised fans of the show. On Monday, May 2, viewers were expecting to see Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary standing in for regular hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
However, former X Factor host Dermot was nowhere to be seen today, reported Manchester Evening News, and in his place and Craig Doyle who appeared alongside Alison Hammond. While Craig has presented the programme's competition segment from his home country, Ireland, it is the first time he has been the main host on the popular show.
"Look who's joining me," exclaimed Alison turning to Craig at the start of the show. He replied with a laugh: "It's me!" Alison then continued: "It's only Craig Doyle... How amazing is this? What a treat."
READ MORE: Martin Lewis says there's a 'magic number' in latest advice over energy bills
Craig, who has worked on BT Sport, where he is the main anchor on BT Sport Premiership and European Champions Cup rugby coverage, said: "I feel like I've stepped into my telly. It's so weird. I love it though". He raised his hand to the camera and then said: "Hi, how are ya?"
Explaining the change in host, Alison said: "Dermot's having a day off today," Passing on a message from Dermot to Craig, she added: "He said hello by the way. He said you're in safe hands... I don't know about that". Craig joked that Dermot had gone through some 'red flag' areas.
Alison also told viewers how he was so eager to start he arrived more than half a day early. It comes after Craig confirmed his stint on the show with a snap outside the London-based studio on Sunday afternoon.
"So excited about hosting This Morning tomorrow I have arrived 14 hours early for work," he captioned the post as he stood outside with his backpack and suitcase. Alison then re-shared her new co-host's post adding a GIF which said "LOL" and a cry-laughing emoji. Alison, 47, also shared how Craig was the first to arrive for work today.
His appearance was commended by some Twitter users including celebrity Lind Lusardi who wrote: "Craig Doyle is utterly brilliant on @thismorning Funny, natural, entertaining, a joy to watch with @AlisonHammond". However, it was the Dublin-born TV presenter's age that got viewers talking.
One tweeted: "So I googled Craig. That man is never 51! #ThisMorning," to which @DawudAishah replied: "Omg are u serious. That can't be true. Why are all the men I like in my mums age bracket. He is so hot, I thought maybe late 30s early 40s."
Another responded: "Certainly doesn't look it." While another said: "Idk who this fella is but Google tells me he's 51! Gonna need your skincare regime please Mr Doyle #ThisMorning," with someone else adding: "Craig Doyle is looking good for 51. Hardly aged at all in 25 years! #ThisMorning."
