Just weeks after Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary took the helm on Friday’s This Morning, ITV are already seeing overwhelmingly positive results.
Despite many fans vowing the boycott the Friday show after long-term hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes were dropped, it seems the risk has paid off as the new duo have upped viewing figures by 44% from this time last year.
And it’s not just the statistics that speak to Dermot and Alison’s popularity, with delighted viewers taking to Twitter to heap praise on them.
“God this is amazing, already LOVE Alison and Dermot,” gushed one, with one more writing, “They are so funny”.
Agreed.
Alison and Dermot were first rumoured to be replacing Ruth and Eamonn as early as November, and despite producers keeping tight lipped about it, they were later confirmed as the new faces of the Friday show following an ITV-wide diversity drive.
CHECK OUT: Holly Willoughby - all her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
Holly Willoughby: All her clothes from This Morning and where to get it cheaper on the high street
1 of 6TUESDAY 3 May
Today Holly has opted for a smart casual look. She's wearing a blue floral ruffle top, black trousers and black heels. What we're loving about this outfit is that you can dress it up with heels like Holly, or keep it casual with trainers. Holly's outfit costs more than £150 but we've found a high street dupe...What Holly is wearing:Ditsy floral contrast broderie ruffle blouse, Warehouse, £69.Clara trousers, Sezane, £95.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From New Look you can recreate Holly's entire outfit for less than £40...
2 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit 3 may 2022
3 of 6WEDNESDAY 4 May
It's Wednesday and again Holly has opted for a smart/casual outfit. She's paired a white shirt, green midi skirt and nude heels together. Again this is a great outfit if you're heading into the office or going out for lunch with the girls. Holly's outfit is on the pricer side, so we've found a similar look that'll save you some cash...What Holly is wearing:Pure Collection linen shirt, John Lewis, £85.Suede wrap skirt, Jigsaw, £285.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From River Island you can copy Holly's style for less than £70...
4 of 6holly willoughby 4 may 2022
5 of 6THURSDAY 5 May
It's Thursday and for her final look of the week, Holly is wearing a blue and white floral dress. The This Morning presenter looks gorgeous and we're loving this dress. We're not the biggest fan of the £200+ price though, so we've found a high street dupe.What Holly is wearing:Fellini blue and cream tropical print cotton shirt dress, L.K. Bennett London, £299.**Where you can get Holly's look for less on the high street:**From Forever Unique you can recreate Holly's outfit for less than £60...
6 of 6holly willoughby this morning outfit
WATCH: What happens backstage at This Morning? The cast spill some serious tea
However, it was later reported that Alison initially turned down the offer over fears of ‘tokenism’.
A source revealed, “Alison has been on This Morning for more than a decade and had never been offered this job before. Then Martin Frizell makes a big announcement that he wants a black presenter and she is wanted for the role.
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“ITV decided last year they wanted diversity on their programmes and then they decided to offer the presenting job to Alison. If you look up the dictionary definition of what tokenism means, then this is it.”
It’s said that Alison finally decided to accept the job after speaking to Ruth, who encouraged her to take on the role.
Responding to the reports, an ITV spokesperson said, “To suggest that Alison’s position on This Morning is a result of anything other than talent and popularity with viewers is completely untrue.”