This Morning star Josie Gibson has paid tribute to Dermot O'Leary, just as viewers have pledsed with producers to let her return as a main host.
Josie was as shocked as anyone when she was called in at the last minute to host the ITV daytime show in November after Holly Willoughby suddenly took ill.
Josie, who was actually en route to film something else for This Morning, dashed to the studio to join Phillip Schofield.
Her unplanned stint as host, which ended up lasting nearly a full week, saw the former Big Brother winner met with widespread praise from viewers.
READ MORE: Vera cut short again by ITV as it's replaced by another drama
She cemented her place in people's affections as she hosted alongside Vernon Kay in December and then again last Friday, when she presented alongside Dermot in Alison Hammond's absence.
And, now as Holly Willoughby's extended break has fans begging for Josie's return, she has thanked Dermot for his support.
![](https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article22788001.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_jdeJPG.jpg)
Sharing a picture of the pair on Instagram she wrote: "Another appreciation post to @dermotoleary who has to be the sweetest bloke on the box. Thank you for energy, thank you for your kindness and thank you for constant caring (even before the show)."
Rochelle Humes is standing in for Holly on This Morning, hosting with Phillip for a fortnight, but it's Josie who many viewers want to see given a shot at an extended run at the helm of the programme.
One directly tweeted This Morning to rant: "why have you got Rochelle standing in for Holly? We need Josie! Why do you do this? We need someone who is natural like Josie and Rochelle is so false sorry but that’s how I feel rubbish programme without Josie"
Echoing those sentiments, a second posted: "If you need to have a replacement female presenter please have Josie," and a third, also messaging the This Morning account, asking: "Rochelle for 2weeks..why no Josie?"
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter