This Morning duped by fake Princess of Wales TV series

Watch: Moment This Morning falls for fake Princess of Wales TV series

What did you miss?

This Morning accidentally announced fake news that Sheridan Smith would be playing the Princess of Wales in a new upcoming TV series.

Gyles Brandreth made the mistaken announcement about the TV series, which wasn't true, during a discussion about the Princess of Wales and photo editing. Kate hit headlines for the smiling Mother's Day photograph in what was her first official picture since having abdominal surgery in January.

However, the photo wasn't all it seemed. Photo agencies – including Getty and PA – redacted the photo over fears it had been "manipulated". Since then, the Princess of Wales has apologised for causing a stir as she admitted to editing the photograph herself as an amateur photographer.

Before the apology, the This Morning team had been discussing the news and speculation around it. It led Brandreth to say there was a series going to air on TV about the Princess of Wales.

Social media was awash with viewers in disbelief at the news as they pointed out the tweet was fake news – with one person writing among the comments: "I actually can't believe a Sheridan Smith stars in The Lost Princess tweet has just been repeated as fact on This Morning. It's the cherry on the chaos cake. The whole country is in turmoil."

What, how and why?

During a segment about the edited image, Brandreth had said: "ITV is doing the series, just announced, with Sheridan Smith called The Lost Princess coming later in the year.

"There's focus on everything Catherine does and because she's been out of sight since the operation people have been thinking, 'What is the operation' and 'Is she really alright?'"

It wasn't lost on viewers at home who knew the news was fake. Many people found the announcement on This Morning hilariously, with one calling it "incredible". Among the comments, one person wrote: "Please get younger presenters who know how the internet works."

"I just watched the interview and thought there’s no way," another added. "Was that “announcement” yesterday not a wind-up?"

"Did he literally just glance at that tweet and not question it whatsoever."

"Please don't say this is real."

Yahoo News has reached out to ITV for further comment.

What did Kate's apology say?

Despite much of the showbiz world being out for the Oscars on Sunday, everyone was talking about the Princess of Wales this weekend.

On Monday morning, Catherine tweeted her apology about editing the photograph and sparking confusion on social media on Mother's Day.

She tweeted: "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C."

What else happened on This Morning?

While all the news focussed around Kate, it was a big day for This Morning as Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard started their jobs as the new full time hosts. They were officially replacing Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield who had been the front and centre of the show for 14 years.

ITV has finally launched the new faces of This Morning after Willoughby stepped down in October last year when she became the centre of an alleged kidnapping plot. Her exit come five months after her married co-host Schofield left the show over his "unwise but not illegal affair" with a male colleague.

Ant and Dec gave Shephard a cheeky warning about Deeley, having worked with her for many years on children's TV. So far there was mixed reception about Deeley and Shephard's debut.

As the show began, Deeley told viewers: "We are so excited to be here, this show has been a huge part of our lives for so long, so to actually be standing here, with you, it's good."

This Morning co-host Shephard added: "Giddy! It is very special, we are thrilled to be here and we've got a packed show. Everyone has been so kind. Thank you to everyone who has sent us messaged of support."

Read more

• What we know about the Princess of Wales's 'manipulated' family photo

• Kate's uncle Gary Goldsmith praises niece's 'genuine' Mother's Day photo