ITV has confirmed Dermot O'Leary will not be presenting This Morning on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25. The presenter has stepped in this week alongside Alison Hammond to host the show following Phillip Schofield's exit
Phillip stepped down from his role with "immediate effect" after 20 years on the daytime programme following a rumoured feud with Holly Willoughby. Meanwhile, Holly has taken an early half-term break and is expected to return on Monday, June 5.
Following the drama, Alison and Dermot opened the show on Monday, May 22, and delivered a brief tribute to Phillip. "We can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield," Alison began.
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Dermot then added: "As a show, everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning wants to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years." Alison continued: "Quite simply, we all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters that this country has ever had and we and all the team wish him all the best for the future."
However, in another presenting shake-up, those tuning into This Morning on Wednesday, May 24 will be greeted by Alison and Craig Doyle. The Dublin-born presenter, who is the lead anchor for BT Sport’s rugby coverage, including Premiership and European Champions Cup games, is a popular host and has previously presented This Morning alongside Josie Gibson.
Dermot will be missing from the show for a very special reason. ITV has confirmed to Wales Online that the presenter will be absent from the prorgamme on Wednesday and Thursday this week as he is celebrating a big birthday.
The television star turns 50 on Wednesday, May 24 and so Craig will be stepping in. Sharing the news on Instagram, Craig posted a throwback picture of himself and Alison on the famous blue sofa and wrote "reunited" before adding: "See you on the sofa at 10am on Wedneday."
This Morning continues weekdays at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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