Alison Hammond in tears over 'lovely' Christmas gift from Dermot O'Leary
“I’m so sorry I’m crying, you don’t understand what that would have meant to my mum"
Last updated 27th Dec 2023
They've been no strangers to the This Morning sofa since the departure of both Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and this year, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Josie Gibson, and Craig Phillips all appeared for a special Christmas Day episode.
The pre-recorded episode featured some of the show's most popular faces, including Gyles Brandreth and John Torode MBE, whilst viewers witnessed Santa Claus himself, and an unforgettable Lapland adventure with some Make-A-Wish UK.
But perhaps the most heart-warming moment of the show was when Alison, Dermot, Josie, Craig and Giles gifted each other presents, with Dermot's thoughtful gift to Alison leaving her incredibly emotional.
Dermot said: “You’ve got something lovely. So, at the moment you’ve got the day off but where are you performing panto right now?”
Alison replied: “In Birmingham.”
Dermot added: “Yeah, whereabouts?”
To which Alison said: “The Hippodrome.”
Dermot then added: “The Birmingham Hippodrome. Well it’s a very special place for you and a lifelong dream that you’re performing there.”
Alison agreed: “Massively!”
Dermot continued: “So we took the liberty of doing something… Can we just take a look at this? So, we’ve named a seat ‘Alison Hammond, TV Queen and pantomime star’. That’s named after you in perpetuity forever."
Breaking down in tears, an emotional Alison said: “I’m so sorry I’m crying, you don’t understand what that would have meant to my mum.”
Dermot: “With that in mind, we know you used to go there with your mother so we’ve got the next seat along, we’ve just named it after your mother. Now, we know also, we’ve talked about it many times that one of her favourite musicals was West Side Story so we’ve put ‘the most beautiful sound I ever heard, Maria’ on there.”
After the episode aired, Alison was quick to comment on the video on social media, writing: 'Sorry for the ugly cry cry 😭 but I really wasn’t expecting such a beautiful present 🎁 will never forget this ever ! Thank you'. (sic)
Check out all of the presenters in the running for a permanent job on This Morning:
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is the Friday host alongside Dermot O'Leary, but she's currently one of the favourites to take the full time role.
Dermot O'Leary
He hosts the show on a Friday alongside Alison Hammond, but fans would love to see Dermot O'Leary in a more full time role.
Josie Gibson
As well as being a loved member of the This Morning team, Josie has been promoted to host in recent months during the holidays, alongside Irishman Craig Doyle. And now she's appearing in I'm A Celeb, will she host the show permanently in 2024?
Cat Deeley
After joining Rylan Clark in November 2023 to host the show, fans were calling for Cat Deeley to become a permanent presenter!
Craig Doyle
Craig joined the This Morning team in 2021, presenting competitions before being promoted to a stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson. In recent months, Craig has presented the main show alongside the likes of Alison Hammond, Mollie King, Rochelle Humes, and Holly Willoughby.
Since Phillip's departure, Craig has been presenting the show frequently alongside Holly.
Rylan Clark
Until recently, Rylan Clark was a regular face on This Morning, stepping in to host the show as well as being the showbiz reporter. Now there's a position going, will Rylan leave his radio show to return?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon is firm favourite at ITV, having been a popular panellist on Loose Women for a number of years. Following Phillip's departure earlier this year, many of Stacey's fans believed she'd hinted she could be about to replace him, after revealing she'd just had 'one of the most exciting meetings of my life.'
Marvin and Rochelle Humes
Rochelle is a current member of the This Morning team and has stepped in to host the show a number of times, and she's also number of other shows alongside her husband Marvin! The pair would be a great fit!
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford
Former Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and her husband Eamonn Holmes were replaced by bosses by Alison and Dermot, but could they be tempted to return to host the show?
Ben Shephard
Ben Shephard is a regular face on the ITV circuit - not only is he a regular presenter for Good Morning Britain, he also hosts daytime challenge show Tipping Point. He's an official stand-in on This Morning, having hosted alongside Holly in October, so could his role become more permanent?
Davina McCall
Davina is loved by TV fans across the UK, and she's been a regular guest on the show over the years, as well as occasionally stepping in to host.
Christine Lampard
Christine Lampard (née Bleakley) has been a stand-in for Holly Willoughby in the past, and she often presents Lorraine when Lorraine Kelly is off on holiday, meaning she's very well liked at ITV!
Gok Wan
Fashion guru and chef Gok Wan was a huge hit with viewers when he hosted the show alongside Rylan Clark back in 2018, and he's now a regular guest presenter on the show!
Vanessa Feltz
Vanessa Feltz has been a TV personality since 1992 - so she's VERY experienced. Having previously presented the show and often giving advice to callers, she wouldn't be a stranger to the show.
Abbey Clancy
Rumours are rife that TV presenter and model Abbey Clancy is the new favourite to replace Holly. The mum-of-four had a good relationship with ITV, having recently worked with them on Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes.
Hannah Waddingham
Actress and TV presenter Hannah Waddingham has also been thrown into the hat for the role. Known for roles on Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones and this year's Marks and Spencer Christmas advert, as well as presenting Eurovision 2023, Hannah would be a very popular choice.
Following the departure of both Phillip and Holly earlier this year, This Morning bosses are yet to permanent announce their replacements, but they have been experimenting with a number of famous faces over the last few months.
As well as Alison, Dermot, Josie and Craig, the likes of Rylan Clark, Cat Deeley, Emma Willis and Davina McCall have all been popular, as well as Ben Shephard and Christine Lampard.
This Morning continues every weekday at 10am on ITV/STV.
Now read:
All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now
Netflix planning 'spin-off shows' for hit series Wednesday
Deal or No Deal fans gutted as show is taken off air