Dermot O’Leary Replaced on This Morning as Alison Hammond Teams Up with Paddy McGuinness for Bank Holiday Episode
In a surprise move, Dermot O’Leary was replaced on This Morning as Alison Hammond was joined by comedian Paddy McGuinness for the bank holiday episode. The usual hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were absent, and Alison and Dermot typically cover Fridays, but with it being a bank holiday, Alison was drafted in with a new co-host.
According to the Daily Record, Alison addressed viewers at the start of the show, saying: "Hello and welcome to your Fridays- Oh no, it’s not! It’s not Friday. I’ve messed it up again. Start the music again, do it again!" Paddy McGuinness, who was sitting alongside Alison, joked: "Don’t ever do that, don’t ever do that."
Alison went on to introduce Paddy as her guest co-host, beaming to the camera: "Look who’s here! It’s only Paddy McGuinness, hello darling! How are you?" Paddy replied: "Hello, I’m alright! Friday, life is good, innit?" Alison responded: "Sorry, sorry, I’ve wished the whole week away haven’t I? It’s bank holiday Monday, so every time I come in obviously I’m the Friday guy so it feels like a Friday, but it’s so lovely to have you!"
As they began to chat, Alison noted that there was something very familiar about Paddy’s outfit. An image of Paddy from his last stint on the show appeared on-screen next to him, and Alison asked: "Are you wearing the same outfit?! Are you wearing the same clothes?" Paddy replied: "That’s actually hilarious, the reason being about two years ago when I hosted this, they didn’t let me home. Dermot keeps me in his dressing room! Just throws me a few scraps of food now and again, then shuts the door."
The bank holiday has meant that other popular morning shows have also had stand-in hosts. On Good Morning Britain, viewers saw Ranvir Singh and Robert Rinder front the programme, as opposed to Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley. Andi Peters was stepping in for Lorraine while the Scottish star was absent from her show.
In an interview with the Daily Record, it was noted that all of these shows are available to watch on ITVX.
As reported by the Daily Record, Paddy expressed his delight at being on the show, saying: "Thank you for asking me. I’m a big fan of the show and whenever they ask me back, I’m in disbelief." Alison responded: "We are honoured to have your presence, we are absolutely honoured Paddy."
The Daily Record also noted that viewers can get the latest news sent straight to their messages by joining their WhatsApp community. The community provides daily updates on breaking news as well as top headlines across Scotland.
Viewers can watch This Morning, Good Morning Britain, and Lorraine on ITVX. For those interested in catching up with Paddy McGuinness and Alison Hammond’s episode, it is well worth checking out.
For more information, you can visit the Daily Record.
