08 January 2023 , 19:06
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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield return for their first This Morning of the year today having beaten the BBC in the Christmas Day ratings.
The ITV duo pulled in 1.3million viewers for their festive show, easily smashing the 880,000 who tuned in to BBC1 at the same time, 10am to noon, for the Christmas Morning Service and Songs of Praise.
A source said: “The Christmas Day show has only been running since 2020 but it’s quickly built up a loyal following and the great viewing figures are testament to that.”
Their winning show featured Sir Cliff Richard, rock legends Wizzard and The Muppets, with fellow hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary joining Holly and Phil.
This Morning's Christmas special with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield (ITV)Alison travels the rail network with Josie Gibson – who has been hosting This Morning over the festive period – in a new film called Off The Rails, which features in today’s show.
Phillip Schofield mocks Molly-Mae's baby name in cruel swipe at Love Island star
Holly and Phil will also be taking the reins on Dancing on Ice when it kicks off this weekend on ITV.
Phil, 60, said it was a “massive relief” that the ice-skating show is back after the “tricky times” of the pandemic.
This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson 'Off The Rails' (ITV)He said: “We can begin to get back to some normality. It was tricky last year and hopefully a lot easier this year.
“We’ll be back hopefully with a full audience.”
This Morning returns with Phil and Holly today from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX
The ITV duo pulled in 1.3million viewers for their festive show (ITV)