Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have been confirmed as the new hosts of This Morning on Fridays.
The pair will take over from Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as the regular presenters of the ITV daytime show’s Friday episode, following much media speculation.
However, Eamonn and Ruth will continue to present the show during school holidays when Monday to Thursday hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are on leave.
ITV has confirmed the changes will come into effect from January, after Alison and Dermot proved to be a hit with viewers when they teamed up to present two shows together over the summer.
Alison – who has been a correspondent on This Morning since 2002 – said she was “really excited” to be handed a regular slot.
She said: “I never dreamt that when I first joined This Morning – initially for a few months – that I would still be there 19 years later. I genuinely care about the show and the viewers who watch, so it’s a huge privilege and honour to be hosting a show I adore so much.
“I’m just really excited to be doing even more of what I love alongside the lovely Dermot.”
X Factor host Dermot also said he was “thrilled and honoured” to be joining the team.
“We have huge shoes to fill and we are well aware what a privilege it is to be stepping into them,” he said.
“Above all, we want to have fun and for you to be able to kick your weekend off with a smile, especially given the year we’ve all had. So I’m delighted to be co-hosting with the living embodiment of sunshine on a rainy day. I can’t wait to get started.”
Eamonn and Ruth were quick to congratulate Alison and Dermot on their new roles, and reassured viewers they are remaining with the show.
They both tweeted: It’s a changing of the guard on Fridays from January. We hope you make Alison and Dermot as welcome as you’ve made us over the years. Have a ball you two!
“It’s not goodbye from us, it’s simply au revoir until the next half term,” they added.
ITV’s managing director for daytime, Emma Gormley added: “Alison has provided some of the most memorable moments on the show in recent times and teamed up with the brilliant Dermot we think they are a great pairing in addition to our fabulous presenting line up of Holly and Phil and Eamonn and Ruth.”
Holly and Phillip’s roles remain unaffected by the changes, and the pair will continue to present each week from Monday to Thursday.
It was recently announced the pair are set to front a special Christmas Day episode of This Morning this year for the first time ever.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
