Viewers were left wondering what they had tuned in to watch as they switched on This Morning today. Andi Peters and Rochelle Humes were back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Tuesday (August 16) after kicking off a fresh week on the programme yesterday.
The latest installment of the popular show got off to an unusual start as instead of the usual titles introducing the ITV daytime show before seeing the hosts ready and waiting in the studio, Rochelle Humes and Andi Peters were seen straight away. The new presenting duo were seen bringing the crew into a huddle before Rochelle gave a team talk like she was part of a sports team.
The team then got to work and the titles rolled before Rochelle and Andi gave viewers an official welcome to Tuesday's show and revealed what was coming up. And one of their first interviews of the day got viewers flocking to comment on social media.
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Patrick the pony appeared alongside his owner Kirk following his ban from a local pub in Devon. The pair appeared via video link live on the show as Kirk explained how Patrick is a "therapy pony who brings joy to a lot of people" when chatting to the This Morning presenters.
He went so far to explain how the pony had "saved lives" due to people "who have been so depressed they couldn't leave their house" being inspired to pay him a visit. But as well as his work as a therapy animal, the pony also has an official title due to the positive impact he has on his local community.
And that is The Mayor of Cockington. Kirk explained that it came about after a local councillor suggested he should have an official title to recognise his efforts when he raised £750 for a local Ukraine charity, and added how many have called on the pony to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
"He might do a good job to be honest with you," Rochelle, 33, told him with Andi adding: "Aim high!" But Kirk sadly told how "someone put a very strong complaint into the council which meant we had to take down his interaction pen", meaning Patrick the pony is no longer able to graze at the local pub and enjoy seeing its visitors.
And as the interview was coming to an end, Kirk asked if he had time to sing a little song, before quickly belting out a tune for the This Morning presenters and viewers. "Patrick the pony, Patrick the pony is a very special pony," he sang. "If you're in trouble, just call out his name and he will come trotting and save the day."
The studio broke out into applause once Kirk had finished his unexpecting sing-song, but Rochelle struggled to compose herself and Andi eventually burst into giggles as well. And viewers saw the funny side. @malcolm_alison tweeted: "#ThisMorning Patrick the pony was a showstopper."
@calico_gifts commented: "Oh give me this Patrick Pony song any day after the feature this time yesterday with the screaming children!! Love how much Rochelle is laughing! #thismorning." @Catzwhiskers1 shared: "Everyone needs a little patrick the pony in their lives. What a breath of fresh air!!! That song will be in my head all day!!!!#ThisMorning." @FrancesSealy1 added: "Just watching Andi & Rochdale laughing "Patrick's song" had me in stitches thank you #thismorning."
But others were baffled. @jonmrob1706 said: "#ThisMorning What the **** am I watching a pony with a song who wants to be Prime Minister??? Probably the pony could do better then Boris Johnson, I'm sure there was something in the Weetabix I have this morning I'm tripping." @mayes_ross echoed: "What the hell am I watching #ThisMorning." @Chezn3y added: "WTF am I watching #ThisMorning."
And some were unimpressed by the reaction from Rochelle and Andi. @debwoodsie said: "Yes i know quite funny but highly disrespectful laughing at him #ThisMorning," to which @Rita11814704 replied: "Totally."
@SandraT43341255 shared: "#ThisMorning Nope,that isn’t cool laughing at this man singing. He has a good heart, totally unprofessional." @Sanch_Elizabeth added: "Loved Patrick the mayor pony and the song his owner sang. Shame the presenters were laughing #ThisMorning."
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