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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

This Morning viewers unimpressed by Sarah, Duchess of York's 'painful' co-hosting debut

Viewers have been left less than impressed after Sarah, Duchess of York made her debut co-hosting This Morning alongside regular presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

The 64-year-old ex-wife of Prince Andrew, affectionately known as Fergie, was also served with the task of guest editing the two-and-a-half hour ITV daytime show on Monday.

Her chosen topics, which were said to be close to her heart, included a look into the importance of defibrillators, the best way to rehome a dog and how to protect your skin.

Also on the agenda was an interview with music icon Sir Cliff Richard, who recently released orchestral album Cliff With Strings – My Kinda Life, celebrating his 65th year in the music industry.

Viewers have shared their opinion on Willoughby's latest replacement, with many taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to vent their frustration.

"God it's painful to watch. Actually painful," wrote one person.

"Fergie’s not really a ‘Natural’ as presenting is she?" remarked a second.

Others described it as "car crash TV" and "probably the worst episode I've seen in ages".

The Duchess is the latest in a long line of rotating presenters to be be brought in after Holly Willoughby quit the show after 14 years in October.

Last week, Cat Deeley was brought in to co-host for three days and proved a hit, with many calling for her to be made a permanent fixture.

Fergie's one-day stint comes as another regular presenter, Josie Gibson entered the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle on Sunday alongside camp mates including Nigel Farage and Jamie Lynn Spears.

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