An Irish presenter is set to fill in for Dermot O'Leary on This Morning.
The popular ITV show has been at the centre of controversy since long-time presenter Phillip Schofield dramatically quit last week. Following this, fellow-presenter Holly Willoughby is currently on a two-week break and will be returning to the show in June.
Yesterday, Alison Hammond, 48, said that her co-presenter Dermot will not be appearing on Wednesday's episode as he will be celebrating his 50th birthday. Instead Irish presenter Craig Doyle will be filling in for him.
Read more: This Morning hosts acknowledge Phillip Schofield in first show since his departure
The Dubliner, 52, has previously impressed viewers with other stints on the show, OK! reports. Craig previously worked with RTE where he hosted his own chat show called Tonight With Craig Doyle as well as a travel/celebrity programme called The Craig Doyle Show.
Phillip's sudden exit from this morning has left show bosses scrambling to find a replacement. Bookies have named Alison, Dermot, and Rylan Clark as potential presenters to join Holly on the couch.
The 61-year-old didn't receive the usual "send-off show" but some of his former colleagues publicly acknowledged his departure while others have stayed silent. But speaking at the start of Monday's episode, Dermot said: "Everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning want to say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years."
Alison also described him as "one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had." Holly also made a statement saying: "It's been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.
"The sofa won't feel the same without him."
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