In the early noughties he was TV's golden boy and famously persuaded Hollywood star Cameron Diaz to appear on the BBC ’s flagship Holiday programme.
But BT Sport presenter Craig Doyle readily admits he had pretty much given up on ever returning to mainstream TV until This Morning came knocking on his door.
Initially invited to present some competitions last November, he has since occasionally been a substitute on the famous ITV daytime sofa.
Now the 51-year-old – who hosted Holiday series for six years – is one of This Morning's guest presenters keeping Phil and Holly's seats warm over the summer holidays alongside Josie Gibson, Mollie King and Rochelle Humes.
The Irishman, who has also been working alongside Alison Hammond on This Morning, said: "It's an amazing gig to land. There are a lot of presenters out there, so I feel very grateful.
"I have been around the block a few times and had times where I thought 'Am I ever going to get back into this world again?'
"If you step off the bus, it doesn’t always come around again and when you have been in the bubble of sport, you think the ship has sailed, so to be asked to be part of This Morning is exciting."
Craig, who has also fronted Tomorrow's World, has had the chance before to return to prime-time TV but declined approaches from Strictly Come Dancing.
"I have seen the stories that come out of it and it feels an uncomfortable space,” he says. "I don’t think I'm prudish but standing on TV holding someone’s hand and rubbing each other’s back seems very intimate to me.
"I am a bit uncomfortable with the closeness and it could be hard on your life partner, disappearing for weeks on end. [...] I've been asked to do Strictly a lot over the years and I’ve always said no."
Craig has been married to Doon, an interior designer who he met in a gym, for 20 years. Their children are Quin, Muireann, Milo and Elsa. They live in Ireland but regularly come over to the UK to honour his work commitments.
Craig says: "Doon is the most patient and supportive human being on the planet. Without her, none of this would ever happen. It’s got to be a team effort."
Working on This Morning is a breeze for his wife because he gets weekends off – something that was a rare treat during the years he worked for the sports departments of the BBC, ITV and BT.
"She has had 15 years where I have worked 42 weekends doing rugby," he says. "She is really into the This Morning job and jokes 'So you are working in the week and off at the weekends? I prefer this'."
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He is also determined to savour every second of his time on the This Morning sofa, admitting that he took for granted his early foray into mainstream TV on Holiday.
"I would have respected that job more now," he admits. "I was young then, I’d go away up to 28 times a year with that show and then I’d be off playing rugby and drinking pints. I didn’t embrace it enough."
Craig has not had the chance to chat with Holly and Phil because he is only in when they aren't but he recalls: "I did a travel slot with Phil and Holly about eight to 10 years ago and they were so warm and welcoming."
Smiling, he adds: "I am 51 now. I would never have believed a year ago I would be doing two weeks on This Morning's sofa."
Watch Craig Doyle on This Morning over the summer, weekdays on ITV from 10am.
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