This Morning ‘s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are said to have beaten Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes in the ‘battle of ITV ratings’.
TV star Alison, 45, and former X Factor host Dermot, 47, received amazing reviews from fans watching as they made their hosting debut.
The duo presented their first show of 2021 after taking over from Eamonn and Ruth.
During the episode on Friday (8th January), they drew in 1.41million viewers, The Sun reports.
That’s 200,000 more than how many tuned in for Eamonn and Ruth’s final episode on December 18.
Viewers raved over Alison and Dermot’s presenting debut last Friday.
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This Morning fans gave them high praise indeed as they adored their hilarious banter and on-screen chemistry.
Taking to Twitter, one viewer said: “Alison and Dermot I’m already OBSESSED, I love this so much.”
While another fan wrote: “Loving Alison and Dermot on This Morning already, so refreshing!”
A third added: “I b****y love Alison and Dermot.”
“I am actually so happy that it’s Alison and Dermot now”, gushed another.
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TV bosses confirmed Eamonn and Ruth were axed from their regular Friday slot on This Morning last year.
The couple will still host the show during key holidays.
Speaking of her This Morning role, Alison 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.
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“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.”
After the news of their departure was confirmed, Ruth and Eamonn made a statement and sent their good wishes to the presenters replacing them.
Ruth tweeted: “It’s a changing of the guard on Fridays from January. We hope you make Alison and Dermot as welcome as you’ve made us over the years.
“Have a Ball you two! It’s not Goodbye from us, it’s simply Au Revoir until the next half term.”
Ruth’s hubby Eamonn tweeted the same statement on his social media page.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
