Dermot O'Leary fumes 'why are we doing this' after This Morning shake-up

Dermot was hosting the show together with co-host Alison Hammond on Friday when producers gave him the news he would be taking on a new challenge - something he was not happy with

Rory Gannon Showbiz Journalist

11:24, 21 Jun 2024Updated 11:24, 21 Jun 2024

TM: Dermot O'Leary 'unhappy' to be taking part in agony phone-in

Dermot O'Leary has hit out against This Morning bosses after he was told he would be taking on a new role on the show.

Dermot, 51, returned to our screens on Friday (June 21) to host the latest edition of the ITV flagship daytime show. He was joined by regular co-host Alison Hammond as they guided viewers through the show for the day.

Coming back from one ad break, Alison and Dermot were chatting to Gyles Brandreth and Sonia Sodha about the latest headlines that were making the news that day. However, before getting stuck into the nitty-gritty, Dermot had to get something off his chest.

Last week, the former X Factor presenter took some much needed time away from the show, as he enjoyed a little getaway with his family. This left Josie Gibson to fill his spot on the show - much to the delight of co-host Alison.

[Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary]

Alison and Dermot returned to present Friday's edition of the show(Image: ITV)

The show fully leaned into the girl power of the duo, with a Thelma and Louise-style opening to the show where the hosting duo drove into the studio. Alison and Josie then went on to host a phone-in where they themselves were the agony aunts for people calling in.

Clearly unhappy with missing out on seeing Alison and Josie host, Dermot admitted he was "devastated" that he did not get to have the same luxury when he hosts the show. Alison, however, was quick to indulge him in the news that he could share in last Friday's fun, as Alison and Dermot themselves would be hosting the phone-in once again.

[Dermot O'Leary]

Dermot was not happy with being the agony uncle for the show(Image: ITV)

This appeared to leave a bad taste in Dermot's mouth, as he visibly looked unimpressed with the idea of giving advice. He gave a sullen expression to the camera as Alison explained: "We loved talking to you last week and today, This Morning's agony uncle is now here to hear from you guys."

As Alison gave the details of the kinds of calls they were looking for, Dermot could be heard mumbling "Oh God, no," before saying through gritted teeth: "So, if you're after our advice... what are we doing, why are we doing this?" It appeared that Dermot was in excruciating pain from the appeal as he squirmed about on his chair chanting: "Jesus, Mary and Holy Joseph".

[Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary]

He begrudgingly accepted his new career change together with Alison(Image: ITV)

But Hammond was quick to quash Dermot's woes, gushing over her co-star and paying tribute to his fantastic counselling skills. "Honestly, if you have anything to talk about, get in touch because our agony uncle is one of the best advice givers you're ever going to find," she beamed.

The compliment appeared to leave Dermot red-faced as he could not take the happy sentiment, muttering: "Why did you say that!" He added, before finally accepting his fate: "Well... if you just want to chat too, that's fine as well!"

Article continues below

This Morning airs every weekday at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.

For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.

[Google Preferred Source Badge]

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.