This Morning viewers were left stunned as Dermot O'Leary's age was revealed on the show. The presenter was back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Tuesday (May 23) after he and Alison Hammond stepped in among the changes behind the scenes.
The show's usual Friday hosts were drafted in after Phillip Schofield sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. The news was announced on Saturday (May 20) after rumours were rife that he and Holly Willoughby were 'barely speaking' behind the scenes amid a 'rift' between the pair.
The 61-year-old confirmed he was 'stepping back' with 'imediate effect' meaning he appeared for the last time on the programme last Thursday (May 18). He said in a statement that the programme had "become the story" and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love".
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Holly also didn't appear back on the programme after the weekend's news following her decision to take an extra week off work ahead of her pre-planned half-term break next week. The 42-year-old will therefore return to the helm of the show on June 5.
Alison and Dermot have since been hosting the show and even opened Monday's programme with a tribute to their former colleague. They were then swift to move on as normal and at the end of Tuesday's programme (May 23), Alison revealed that Dermot wouldn't be on Wednesday's show (May 24) as he celebrates a big milestone.
"It's a big day tomorrow because somebody's got a very big birthday," the 48-year-old said before adding; "We've got some surprises and some treats," as confetti exploded in the studio and Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday' rang out.
Dermot was then presented with a cake by Juliet Sear and a big bunch of flowers by gardener Daisy Payne. "Have a lovely day darling," Alison said to Dermot as he gave his co-star a thank you kiss on the cheek.
But viewers couldn't believe Dermot was turning the big 50. @Boppity_Boo34 tweeted: "Wait Dermot is 50 #ThisMorning." @TwellyWatcher said: "Dermo’s 50!? No way #ThisMorning." @Mabel_Mouse_ wrote: "No way is Dermot 50! Bloody hell, he doesn’t look it, #ThisMorning."
@orchidfoxy echoed: "No way Dermot is 50?! #thismorning." @TJScaverton shared: "Happy Birthday Dermot!! #ThisMorning but 50? Wouldn’t have guessed that." @SpannaD added: "Jeez Dermot looks good for 50! #thismorning."
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