This Morning viewers have been left surprised for more than one reason as they tuned in to the show on Monday (May 2). The first show of the week was without usual hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield due to it being a Bank Holiday.
This means that Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary usually step into the main hosting role after their weekly Friday slot. However, former X Factor host Dermot was nowhere to be seen today with a brand new face in his place.
Craig Doyle joined Alison at the helm of This Morning. It is the first time he has been the main host on the popular show having been seen recently presenting the programme's competition segment from his home country, Ireland.
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Others, however, may recognise Craig for his work on BBC and ITV or more recently BT Sport, where he is the main anchor on BT Sport Premiership and European Champions Cup rugby coverage.
As they opened Monday's show 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."
"I feel like I've stepped into my telly," he replied. "It's so weird. I love it though," he added before raising his hand to the camera and saying: "Hi, how are ya?"
"Dermot's having a day off today," Alison briefly explained before turning to Craig and saying: "He said hello by the way."
"He said you're in safe hands... I don't know about that," the mum-of-one added as 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 reshared 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.
But as This Morning viewers devoured to find out a bit more about the Dublin-born TV presenter, they were left stunned by his age.
@Stepharrnee 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."
@PorteousMary commented: "Certainly doesn't look it."
@notakaren1_ tweeted: "Idk who this fella is but Google tells me he's 51! Gonna need your skincare regime please Mr Doyle #ThisMorning," with @surreyboy84 adding: "Craig Doyle is looking good for 51. Hardly aged at all in 25 years! #ThisMorning."
