DERMOT O'LEARY AND ALISON HAMMOND OFFICIALLY JOIN THE THIS MORNING PRESENTING TEAM

Alison and Dermot will host This Morning on Fridays from 8 January 2021, whilst Eamonn and Ruth will continue to host the show during key holidays.

Speaking about her new hosting duties, Alison Hammond said: “I never dreamt that when I first joined This Morning - initially for a few months - that I would still be there 19 years later. I genuinely care about the show and the viewers who watch, so it’s a huge privilege and honour to be hosting a show I adore so much. I’m just really excited to be doing even more of what I love alongside the lovely Dermot.”

Co-host Dermot said: “I'm deeply thrilled and honoured to be joining the This Morning team next year. We have huge shoes to fill and we are well aware what a privilege it is to be stepping into them. Above all, we want to have fun and for you to be able to kick your weekend off with a smile, especially given the year we've all had. So I'm delighted to be co-hosting with the living embodiment of sunshine on a rainy day. I can't wait to get started.”

Managing Director, ITV Daytime, Emma Gormley said: “We are delighted that Alison and Dermot will be joining the main presenting family on This Morning. Alison has provided some of the most memorable moments on the show in recent times and teamed up with the brilliant Dermot we think they are a great pairing in addition to our fabulous presenting line up of Holly & Phil and Eamonn & Ruth.”