ITV1 viewers were left scratching their heads as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield returned to screens on Wednesday, December 28. The pair usually don't make a comeback to This Morning until the new year after taking a break for the Christmas period.
However, introducing the show early, Phil told viewers: "Well hello, welcome to your Wednesday This Morning and we are back. Hope you had an amazing Christmas."
"It is lovely to be back," Holly added. "And to keep you in the festive spirit we have got some very special treats in store for you over the next few days."
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The pair then revealed the show would consist of cookery, fashion, some big showbiz guests, and a special look back at some favourite moments from This Morning in 2022. But viewers at home were left scratching their heads over the early return.
"Very surprised to see Holly and Phil back so soon after Christmas! They are not usually back until new year," wrote one fan, while another added: "Very surprised to see Phil and Holly back, thought would be off until January."
Others questioned whether the show was pre-recorded or live, with one Twitter user commenting: "Lol why are they are patronising us by pretending the shows this week are live: 'Oh I've got leftovers'. The shows were recorded when they were off air for the World Cup."
"Is this meant to be live or pre-recorded?" another asked, while a second added: "I suspect this is pre recorded, let's see if there is a phone in or a spin to win lol."
ITV bosses confirmed earlier this month that This Morning would be on air throughout the Christmas period between Wednesday, December 28, and Friday, December 30, in a show first. Phil said: "I think it's really lovely to be on over the Christmas period."
He added: "There's a lovely atmosphere in the studio and you're never quite sure what's going to happen." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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