With the show’s new hosts now revealed, Alison Hammond could be the next presenter to quit
After Holly Willoughby stepped down from This Morning last October, the show was set for a big relaunch at the start of 2024. A source revealed at the time, ‘The feeling now is that change must be made - and this is the impetus needed. This Morning boss Martin Frizell is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want – a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors.’
Earlier this month, it was announced that Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard would be the show’s new hosts. But while producers were trying out a roster of new presenters, regular Friday co-host Alison Hammond had been stepping in frequently. However, in recent weeks the star has been notably absent. So with the hit ITV daytime show at last having a reboot with fresh faces, will Alison be the next star set to step away from This Morning?
Ready to move on?
Fans were recently confused during an episode of This Morning when Alison, 49, didn’t appear on the show, despite adverts saying she’d be hosting all week with Dermot O’Leary. Instead, Dermot hosted alongside Mollie King. But while Alison confirmed that she only missed the show to celebrate her birthday, could there be more to it?
When Holly quit last year, it was reported that Alison turned down a huge pay rise to replace her. A source said, ‘Alison has long been a favourite with bosses. She’s very popular… celebrities often request her when they appear on the sofa. She’s happy to fill in but has politely declined the job more than once.’
Alison also hinted she might be ready to leave This Morning when she confessed she’d love to have her own show. She previously told Woman’s Own, ‘I love my job and I’m good at it. But I’ve always got plans, things I want to do next. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked for my own show. That’s what I want, a show called Alison.’ The star also said she’d like to join rival ITV show Loose Women after appearing on their live tour, adding, ‘I’d love to do Loose [Women] – I’d do any programme. I’ve done most of them!’
Tired fans
Another reason Alison is perhaps considering moving on from This Morning is the criticism she’s receiving from viewers of the show. One recently commented, ‘Alison not the right person to lead this item. No natural “flow” or empathy. When there’s no cackling involved she adds nothing
