ALISON Hammond has announced that she’s taking a break from This Morning.
The TV presenter, who was thought to be replacing regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard over the summer, revealed on Thursday’s show that she was taking some time away from her hosting duties.
Presenters Alison, 49, and Dermot O’Leary kicked off the show with the surprise news.
“It’s quite sad that tomorrow is going to be our last show for some time”, Dermot, 51, told ITV viewers.
Alison responded: “I know, I know, my last day. I’m going on holiday bubs, it’s time!”
She added: “Alison needs a break”, which prompted Dermot to say: “We all need a break.”
Alison then quipped acknowledging her online critics, saying: “Even YOU need a break from me.”
Her fans were gutted to see telly favourite Alison take a short hiatus, with one writing: “Alison leaving for good?”
While another posted: “It’s Alison’s last day on This Morning before she goes on a break!”
Alison said she was already packed for her holiday despite not jetting over for another week.
She will be replaced by a host of famous faces on a rotating basis – with the likes of Sian Welby, Rochelle Humes and Josie Gibson.
The all-star lineup for the next few weeks include the following pairings – Dermot and Rochelle, Joel Dommett and Rochelle, Josie and Rylan, Josie and Craig Doyle and Sian and Craig.
It comes just days after fans demanded Dermot is replaced by The Masked Singer star Joel Dommett as Alison’s co-host.
Their chemistry has sparked calls for a presenting shake-up – after Dermot took two days off.
“Alison, I thought I wasn’t going to like you cheating on Dermot but after watching you and Joel today bloody loved it,” said one fan.
Another added: “What a refreshing change to see Joel, a breath of fresh air! Sorry Dermot but you’re boring.”
A viewer said: “Best pairing ever ever.”
Someone else added: “Great show today. Loved you and Joel. Really want you to be on the show full time Alison, you’re a breath of fresh air.”
Good Morning Britain‘s Ben Shephard and SMTV’s Cat Deeley were revealed as the new This Morning hosts earlier this year.
Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond continue to be the Friday hosts – and were announced as the show’s summer presenting duo.
However, having impressed during a brief stint on the show last summer, Joel has won over viewers.
He appeared in green lycra for an on-screen exercise class.
Writing on Instagram, Joel said: “First time hosting This Morning with Alison Hammond and what a DAMN JOY!!!”
She replied: “Loved every minute with my Green God.”
