This Morning replaces Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary for the week
This Morning has brought in a number of presenters to replace the usual presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield this month as they enjoy the Easter break.
And after Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary took to the screens for five days of fun last week, the duo have retreated to their usual spot.
This week, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle are front and center on the show, having proved popular with fans during previous stints.
Irish presenter Craig garnered a flurry of praise after appearing on the show alongside Alison last summer, while Josie is a viewer favourite.
It comes as regular host Phillip reportedly having crisis talks with This Morning bosses about his hiatus from the show, after his brother’s child molestation trial.
Time Off: This morning has shaken up their Easter break presenter line-up as Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have been replaced – after hosting the show for all of last week
They’re back: This week, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle take center stage on the show, who have proved popular with fans during previous stints
Craig confirmed his return to the show this week via Instagram, sharing a photo with his co-host Josie and writing, “Reunited on the This Morning sofa all next week.”
The pair are taking over from Alison and Dermot’s successful week-long stint, which saw fans begging to become more regular matches – in addition to their usual schedule of hosting on a Friday.
Alison shared a post on Instagram as she wrapped up the week of presenting on Friday, where she praised close friend Dermot and wished fans a happy Easter.
And many followers quickly took to the comment section begging to see more of the couple.
“We need you two every day, not just Friday or holiday cover xxx,” one fan suggested.
Others agreed, with a second writing: “Breathe fresh air and nothing is forced.” I wish you two were permanent hosts.’
“These 2 should be the show’s regular hosts,” a third fan wrote. Another said, ‘I’m going to miss you guys, wish you were more. Happy Easter.’
And fans might not be too far off course, as Alison is reportedly the best choice to take over for Holly on the show, should she ever step down.
The sparkling presenter could be on his way to a promotion if Holly ever disembarks. While the bosses seem keen to keep longtime host Holly in charge, this back-up plan would work for all circumstances.
Ready to return: Craig confirmed his return to the show via Instagram this week, sharing a snapshot with his co-host Josie and writing, “Reunited on the This Morning sofa all next week”
Downtime: The presenters replace usual hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield this month, as they enjoy Easter break
After Josie and Craig’s guest week, Holly and Phil will return to their usual bench positions.
But reports this week have claimed the latter has had ‘crisis talks’ with ITV during the break, following his brother’s sexual assault trial.
The TV star took a break ahead of his brother Timothy’s trial for sexually assaulting a young boy. Timothy was found guilty last week and will be sentenced next month.
It was thought that while Phil’s management would like him to return, ITV bigwigs wanted more time for the dust to settle after the trial.
Popular: The pair are taking over from Alison and Dermot’s successful week-long stint, which saw fans begging for more regular matches
Pause: PIt comes as regular presenter Phillip reportedly had crisis talks with This Morning bosses about his hiatus from the show, following his brother’s child molestation trial (pictured on the show last month)
A representative for This Morning has urged MailOnline that Phillip will return as scheduled on April 17.
Phillip has distanced himself from his brother in the wake of the latter’s conviction, having also served as a witness in the recent trial.
In a statement from his lawyer after the conviction, Phillip Schofield said: ‘My overwhelming concern is and always has been for the well-being of the victim and his family. I hope their privacy is now respected.’
He continued, “If my brother had ever confessed to me of a crime, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family. These are vile crimes and I welcome the convictions. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have a brother anymore.’