This Morning fans were treated to a new face on-screen during Monday's Bank Holiday show. Alison Hammond was joined on the ITV daytime show by Craig Doyle as he made his presenting debut on the programme.
The Irish presenter was seen recently on the show as he hosted the competition segment from the Emerald Isle. But he was put front and centre for today's show (May 2) as he filled in for Dermot O'Leary who Alison says was 'taking a day off'.
As they opened the programme, Alison welcomed her new co-host. "Look who's joining me," she excitedly said turning to Craig who replied with a laugh: "It's me!" Alison then continued: "It's only Craig Doyle... How amazing is this? What a treat."
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He might not be a new face to everyone as Craig is known for his work on BBC, ITV and more recently BT Sport, where he is the main anchor on BT Sport Premiership and European Champions Cup rugby coverage.
"I feel like I've stepped into my telly," Craig continued as he spoke to Alison. "It's so weird. I love it though," he added before raising his hand to the camera and saying: "Hi, how are ya?"
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.
The 47-year-old then tried to get Craig into the This Morning spirit, busting some moves as music played out in the studio leaving Craig slightly taken aback. The pair then cracked on with the show and viewers were quickly making a decision about the new host.
@Sondotcom21 tweeted: "Craig is hilarious, we need more Craig #ThisMorning." While @KathrynAnne88 said: "So Craig smashed it. Him, Vernon and Dermot are naturals #ThisMorning."
@spotthefrogs wrote: "Wow, Craig Doyle is brilliant on #ThisMorning runs rings around Phil and Declan. Please keep him."
@chris03561680 shared: "#ThisMorning Alison & Craig. Wow, these two are just really good together presenting. Craig is so professional. Why isn't he on TV a lot more."
"I really like Craig Doyle! @thismorning should have him on more often!" @BubbaBubs207 commented as @TashAmaka added: "Craig was an absolute natural. Right energy very witty and funny. Didn’t over egg it. Didn’t talk over the guests. In sync with Alison. Seemed like he’s been hosting the show for ages. #thismorning should really think about keeping him on."
It comes just days after This Morning viewers were making a demand for Vernon Kay to be brought back onto the show. The Bolton-born TV presenter made his hosting debut on the show last year and returned alongside Josie Gibson during the Easter break last month.
Last week, This Morning's social media took to Instagram with a post as it was Vernon's 48th birthday on April 28. The post read: "Happy birthday to the king of puns and dad dancing, @vernonkay Hope it's an o-KAY one!" the wrote before jokingly adding: "(Someone post a better pun in the comments pls)."
Former All Star Family Fortunes host Vernon was quick to respond to the birthday wishes, writing: "Thank you!!!" with a string of love-heart eye emojis but fans were quick to issue their demands about Vernon making a return.
