Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary step in as interim hosts of This Morning as Phillip Schofield leaves

On Saturday (May 20), Phillip Schofield, 61, resigned from his role on This Morning with immediate effect, after over 20 years in the job. Holly Willougby was reported to be continuing with her role, but news broke this morning (May 22) that Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary would be stepping in as interim hosts, likely for the foreseeable future.

Holly, 42, told ITV she is taking early leave for the half-term holiday, but will return to the sofa on June 5. ITV has not confirmed who will host the show for the rest of the week, but Alison and Dermot seem to be the most likely contenders.

The two co-stars recently hosted a Coronation special airing of the show live from Coronation Street. Alison was also recently delighted to be told she would be immortalised in wax form at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool.

Responding to the news from the official ITV Twitter account, fans were surprisingly polarised. One user showed her support, writing: “Dermot and Alison are brilliant, far better and the reason I watch it on a Friday”. However, another reply, which received 63 likes, read: “Not for me. Alison Hammond’s bubbly personality can’t hide her lack of ability as a presenter and Dermot O’Leary gives me the impression he’s just phoning it in.”

On today’s episode (May 22), viewers appeared agitated by the clear shake-up in the show caused by Phil and Holly’s feud. Anne Nolan appeared on the show to speak about her new book, but Alison Hammond incorrectly pronounced her name as “Anne Noland”.

The simple mistake was leapt upon by Twitter users, who were quick to berate the Brummie presenter. One user wrote: “can’t cope with @AlisonHammond calling @AnneWNolan Anne Noland 😭 #ThisMorning”. Another said: “When you interview Anne Nolan and call her ‘Noland’ throughout 🤦‍♂️ #ThisMorning”. A third viewer added: “Will the real Anne Noland please stand up 😂 #ThisMorning”.