Alison Hammond: This Morning star’s new co-presenter delights fans but makes awkward mistake

Alison Hammond, 47, has been part of ITV’s This Morning since 2003. However, since the departure of Phillip Schofield and the absence of Holly Willoughby, viewers of the show have expressed their dissatisfaction with the job done by Alison and fellow interim host Dermot O’Leary.

On today’s show (May 24), Dermot took the day off to celebrate his 50th birthday. BT Sport presenter Craig Doyle filled in for Dermot and sat on the sofa alongside Alison. He previously filled in for Dermot to co-host with Josie Gibson in 2022.

The 52-year-old, from Ireland, made a good impression on fans, with many positive comments appearing on social media during and after the show. He did however make one comical mistake during the show’s airing.

Returning from an ad-break, the camera panned to Alison, and Craig - who looked like a deer in headlights upon noticing the camera lens. He began speaking, but couldn’t hold back his laughter, awkwardly expressing: “I forgot we were on telly! We were all just chatting and then the music started!”

This moment seemed only to add to viewers’ positive image of the Rugby Union presenter, who clearly charmed many This Morning fans. Watchers of the breakfast show took to Twitter to share their opinion on the stand-in presenter. One user posted: “Craig and Alison are a great combo! Love his energy and natural charisma.” Another said: “Love Craig Doyle on @thismorning breathe of fresh air #CraigDoyle”. A third viewer added: “Can we give Craig Phil’s job please? #ThisMorning”.

It overall seemed like a much more positive reaction from viewers today, as many were quick to berate Alison Hammond in particular for minor mistakes on Monday and Tuesday’s airings. Likely caught up in the chaos of the show’s sudden shake-up, Alison mis-pronounced the name of a guest, and also asked if the late George Michael would appear on the show. Fans were scathing in response to the two incidents.