This Morning fans think they've found the perfect reason Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle should become the show's permanent presenters. The duo were back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Tuesday (August 9).
The presenting pair were reunited on Monday's show (August 8) having previously took over the show together in the past and as recently as two weeks ago before Josie had to cut her stint as the main presenter short and she was replaced by singer and radio star Mollie King.
Viewers have continued to praise Josie and Craig, who are just two of the many familiar faces stepping in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during their lengthy summer break. And the compliments kept coming in for them following an emotional start to today's show.
As with many of ITV's shows today, tributes have been being paid on air to Dame Olivia Newton-John whose tragic death was announced by her husband on Monday evening. John Easterling said the Grease icon died 'peacefully' surrounded by her friends and family, aged 73.
Kicking off This Morning, Josie and Craig were joined by one of Olivia's former co-stars, Barry Pearl who played T-Bird 'Doody' in the hit 1978 musical film which starred Dame Olivia as leading lady Sandy. He paid tribute to his friend via video link from his home in Los Angeles.
Speaking about his bond with the star, Barry said: "We remained friends, the entire Grease family, we're all still in touch with each other. It's remained this family by [us] creating this piece of art, it's kept us together all these years. It's a major loss for us.
"She was a force and yet of a delicate nature, she just had this sweetness about her. It was just the person that she was, she was always looking to do good and she did. Her legend and memory will continue to do that. She has left an amazing legacy, which will continue to impact people in a positive way."
At one point during his chat with Josie and Craig, Barry spoke about how he and Olivia would sign off emails to one another. As they came to the end of the chat, Josie told the 72-year-old actor: "Barry, those words are just beautiful, they're absolutely beautiful," as Craig added: "Take care of yourself today Barry, it's gonna be a hard day for you, take care."
Josie continued: "We're sending you so much love because it must be very, very hard for you because we know how close you were." Barry then replied: "Thank you very much for having me on and to speak to the collective heart of the fans because you folks are the ones who keep all of us relevant."
With his voice breaking as he held back tears, Barry added: "And she was well aware of that and she treated all of her fans with grace and dignity and love and light... thank you." As the camera cut back to Craig and Josie in the studio, the former Big Brother was visibly upset as Craig commented: "He spoke so eloquently didn't he?"
Struggling to compose herself as tears filled her eyes, Josie simply said: "I know," as she fanned her face with her script. The mum-of-one later admitted: "Barry got me there, Barry definitely got me there." Josie and Craig continued their tributes to Olivia with This Morning's Hollywood correspondent Sam Rubin as well as Nick Ferrari and Simon McCoy at the start of the 'This Morning's View' segment in which they discuss that and the other stories making news.
And the way the hosts handled the emotional story has been praised by This Morning viewers. @Anthony73711815 tweeted: "Just a quick thought. Josie & Craig are great together and should be the main presenters. The tribute to Olivia was handled so well by these two. It's time for the producers to do the right thing. #ThisMorning."
@Tullykenny replied: "Completely agree. Very touching and dignified." @nnek01 agreed: "It’s time for a shake up with the presenters on @thismorning I’m not really into this show but yes @Josiestweet & #Craig were [OK emoji] in the #OliviaNewtonJohn’s tribute."
Craig was also being picked out for praise after viewers watched him and Josie switch to something more lighthearted in a hula-hooping segment. @mrscarter22 tweeted: "#CraigDoyle totally lost it just now #ThisMornin," to which @DebbieBlackma14 replied: "#CraigDoyle is just brilliant #ThisMorning."
@nrober1969 also said: "He is fantastic isn't he. Treats the show with the irreverence it deserves instead of trying, and failing to look intensely interested in some of the more ludicrous segments. He really is genuinely funny too."
READ NEXT:
- ITV This Morning's Craig Doyle 'clears the air' with Josie Gibson seconds into show
- ITV Coronation Street's Debbie star Sue Devaney looks completely different on This Morning
- ITV Love Island's Davide swears at Loose Women host Ruth Langsford in backstage video
- Gemma Atkinson shares personal memory of meeting Oliva Newton-John in sweet tribute following death
- ITV Loose Women fans fume over 'rude' Ekin-Su chat after awkward Nadia Sawalha comment
