Yahoo News This Morning's Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary react to new hosts
This Morning announced Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are the new presenters
What did you miss?
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have reacted to the news on Friday that Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are the new This Morning presenters.
ITV has finally confirmed the duo will take centre stage on This Morning, confirming Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's replacements. Willoughby quit This Morning after 14 years after she was at the centre of an alleged kidnap and murder plot. It was five months after Schofield stepped down from This Morning because of his "unwise but legal affair" with a younger male colleague.
Friday's show had a fantastic new introduction to unveil and welcome the new presenters to the show. Presenters Hammond and O'Leary were delighted to be fronting This Morning when the news broke, saying: "The secret is out!"
What, how and why?
Giving the new presenters a warm welcome, Hammond and O'Leary said: "Ben and Cat, welcome to the family." Hammond added: "We are so, so happy. It's finally out. The news is finally out."
Equally ecstatic, O'Leary revealed the best thing about the news. He explained: "The lovely thing is we know them well. I started out my career with Ben at T4." This Morning then showed a throwback picture of them together on the show. He joked: "That was actually from last week - how embarrassing!"
Hammond also shared the story of how she met Deeley for the first time four years ago in Los Angeles, where the new presenter previously lived with her husband. "We met in LA," Hammond said. "We went to a party. First time these Brummies collided. They couldn't handle it. Ben and Cat! It's so so nice. The secret is out. They are joining us in March."
What did Cat Deeley say?
The warm welcome come after ITV broke the news that Deeley and Shephard will front the show. Deeley voiced her excitement at joining This Morning and she said she loves how the TV show is like everyone's friend.
She said: "This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over - funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships! This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it."
What did Ben Shephard say?
Shephard also shared his joy at joining Deeley on the show, calling it an "honour". He said: "This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job."
He added: "For the last ten years I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat, welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved."
When will Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard be on This Morning?
Shephard and Deeley will make their debut hosting This Morning next month in March. They will front the Monday to Thursday shows while Hammond and O’Leary will continue working every Friday.
This Morning’s Editor, Martin Frizell said: "The team and I have relished the opportunity to try new things these past few months and remind viewers what a massively talented team both on and off screen we have here at This Morning. We can’t wait to welcome Ben and Cat fully into the fold next month and witness the start of another exciting chapter in the show's 35 year journey."
Managing Director, ITV Studios Daytime, Emma Gormley added: "I feel immensely proud of everyone working on This Morning - for a programme that has evolved many times over the last 35 years, it remains just as relevant and exciting as ever. We are thrilled to have Ben and Cat as our new This Morning hosts and cannot wait to see them on that famous sofa together soon."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 & ITVX
