This Morning viewers found themselves overcome with emotion just seconds before the last episode of the week came to an end. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary were reunited again on Friday (June 23) for their usual stint at the helm of the ITV daytime show.
The pair were back together after viewers have been watching Dermot fronting the show alongside Holly Willoughby for the past two weeks following the shock exit of Phillip Schofield. And as Alison, 48, and Dermot, 50, were brought back together, they had a big show on their hands as This Morning paid tribute to later singer, and fan of the show, George Michael who would have been celebrating his 60th birthday this weekend.
The hosts opened the special show by explaining how they will be remembering his life, celebrating his music and also announcing the track viewers have voted for as the nation's favourite George Michael song, ahead of his milestone birthday.
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Alison said: "It’s a celebration today and we are turning up the volume! So many of his songs remind me of my childhood." Dermot added: "And what a soundtrack… and his was my first ever single [I bought]! It was a co-purchase with my sister."
Later, former This Morning host Richard Madeley fondly recalled when he discovered George was a regular viewer of This Morning. The now-Good Morning Britain host said: "We came off air [one morning] and our then editor was literally doing a jig in the corridor because someone had donated £50,000 [to a charity appeal the show was running] and we said ‘who?’ and she said he’s very famous but I’m not allowed to tell you, and we said ‘who?’ again she said ‘OK, it’s George Michael’.
"So we dialled his number and we spoke and after a couple of minutes I heard myself say, 'Do you want to come over for Sunday lunch one day?' and he went, 'I’d love to!' Flashforward to Sunday and George Michael was standing on our doorstep! He asked, 'What are we having?' and I said. 'roast chicken'. He replied, 'I love roast chicken, but no carbs for me as I’m on tour and I can’t put weight on' so he just had his chicken and greens and gravy."
Richard added: "But within three minutes he was using his fork to pick the roasties off our plates. He wolfed them down!" Footage was later shown of George calling into This Morning once more declaring his love for the programme saying, 'Thanks very much for easing me into the day for the last ten years or so that I’ve been watching the show…'"
And one of the show's segments saw Alison and Dermot joined by Jo Maidment whose 11-year-old daughter Betsey was born thanks to IVF funding from an anonymous donor who watched This Morning and was later revealed to be George Michael. They also spoke live to Helen DeMacque - also known as Pepsi - who is best known for being a singer/dance with Wham! as part of the Pepsi & Shirlie duo with Shirlie Kemp in the 1980s.
To round off the show, after Alison and Dermot spoke with viewers who called in to talk about their favourite songs and memories of the much-missed star, singer Calum Scott was invited into the studio to perform his rendition of the George Michael classic, One More Try.
And it left This Morning viewers emotional as they rushed to Twitter afterwards to comment. @TraylorHolmes said: "Stunning tribute to George Michael from @calumscott and yes I’m crying #ThisMorning #GeorgeMichael." @fuzzybeepants tweeted: "Aw there will never be another George, but that was a really nice tribute. Well done Callum #ThisMorning."
@Umr3000 commented: "Beautiful tribute to the one and only George Michael by Calum Scott #ThisMorning." @QueenRhone posted: "@thismorning Calum Scott singing the George Michael song One More Try was amazing. Beautifully sang and so heartfelt. I was a bit emotional watching that #calumscott #georgemichael #thismorning." @Itt39354118 added: "The song and photo's of george Michael #thismorning," alongside a crying face and broken heart emoji.
Meanwhile, Alison and Dermot's reunion comes after viewers championed him remaining at the helm alongside Holly. But he was quick to do just as he did earlier this week with 42-year-old Holly and posted a picture of himself and Alison on Instagram as the reunited on the famous sofa.
In the caption of the post to his 792,000 followers: "Morning Bab. This girl makes me laugh." And fans wasted no time in sharing compliments for the pair. @samanthadraycott said: "Such a brilliant double act." @allisonsang replied: "Will turn on and watch for the first time this week ... you are so much better with Alison."
@elaine7121 wrote: "You two are brilliant make me laugh every fri." @norahmcginty commented: "The dream team. Happy vibes. Friday sunshine." @poppy_poppy100 posted: "Best combo by far." @littlemisshuo added: "Team Dermot and Alison."
