This Morning viewer figures shot up by nearly 100,000 in a week as Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary took on the reigns following Phillip Schofield's departure.
The popular ITV programme has bit hit with controversy in recent weeks after rumours of a feud between hosts Phil and Holly Willoughby broke.
Phillip then quit the show, and later stepped away from ITV and admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague.
Despite the chaos, Alison and Dermot have been trying to maintain stability and keep the show running.
Holly and Phil last presented the programme on Thursday 18 May, with Holly set to make a return on Monday 5 June.
Yet viewing figures are said to have surged during Holly and Phil's absence as a total of 797,000 people tuned in to watch Monday's episode.
The programme peaked with 996,000 viewers, which was a jump on the previous week's Monday episode in which 703,000 viewers tuned in - with a peak of 918,000.
On Phil's last show, it is said 644,000 people watched the show.
This week, Alison and Dermot addressed the drama surrounding the show but appeared to be "sad and tired".
Just minutes into the programme, Dermot said: "We know we have been in the news at the moment. But just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you."
Alison added: "We really do and that's exactly what we're gonna do - we're continuing to do that."
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, leading body language expert Judi James said: "Should two talented, likeable, authentic presenters ever have to start their show performing the kind of tough-guy, clasping handshake and eye-to-eye contact that makes them look like soldiers going into battle?
"Because that was what the 'drawn-the-short-straw-twice' duo Dermot and Alison were seen to do on this second fronting of This Morning since Schofield went. It was a touching gesture but sad to watch."
Reflecting on Alison's body language, Judi explained: "Alison looked unhappy and uncomfortable at the start of this show and her very frequent glances at Dermot and the way she kept rolling her pen between her fingers suggested a desire for support."
She added: "Dermot's eyes looked tired and Alison's looked sad."
Monday's episode came amid speculation the programme might not air due to Phillip admitting to having an affair with a younger colleague over the weekend.
The veteran TV presenter, 61, resigned from the broadcaster on Friday and was dropped by his talent agency after confessing to having an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with a young male who worked on the programme while he was still married to his wife.
Holly is due to be back in the studio from Monday June 5, although it is not yet known who her co-presenter will be.
