07 September 2023 , 09:14
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Dermot O'Leary has set the record straight on his feelings towards Alison Hammond amid rumours that the TV duo don't go along, insisting he has come to see his This Morning co-host 'like family'.
The 50-year-old stepped in to present the Friday episodes ITV breakfast show during Holly Willoughby's summer absence, prompting rumours that he could become a full-time replacement. It was announced in July, however, that the 42-year-old would return to her regular position come September alongside a selection of guest hosts.
"This is only my third year of being on This Morning proper, but there’s 35 years of history to live up to. Why has it lasted so long? We reflect the country — our stories might be frivolous, serious or uplifting," Dermot said. "The presenters make a difference too. If two people aren’t getting on, the viewers can see that."
Dermot's comments come following reports that ITV bosses were considering separating him from Alison, after rumours whirled that their dynamic had become "increasingly strained" in recent months. The former X Factor presenter has now put the matter to bed, insisting that he sees his bubbly TV partner as "family."
"Alison Hammond, my co-host, and I didn’t really know each other when we started working together but now we’re like family," he told the Times. "I think there’s an honesty to that."
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Dermot and Alison presenting This Morning in July 2023 (S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Alison, 48, also appears to have dismissed the chatter their relationship is on the rocks. After one This Morning viewer commented, "Wow, the tension between the two of you is palpable," the former Big Brother star responded with a laughing face emoji.
Josie Gibson, who has worked as a presenter on This Morning since November 2021, has also shared her insight into Alison and Dermot's affection for each other. "I don't know what's been written but they really do get on. Dermot worships Alison and Alison loves Dermot," the 38-year-old told Hello! magazine. "She bought him a lovely watch not long ago, and they go round to each other's houses for dinner."
Dermot and Alison have dismissed rumours they don't get on (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)In May, Alison and Dermot delivered a joint message toPhillip Schofield following the news of his resignation from the ITV show. The 61-year-old left the programme after news broke that he'd had an affair with a colleague significantly younger than him.
"We can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa, Phillip Schofield," the Colchester DJ told viewers in the 35-second-long address. "Everyone on and off the screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he's done to make this show a success over the last 21 years."
Alison chorused her colleague's words, hailing Phillip as "one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had."