This Morning's Alison Hammond responds to announcement of new hosts
This Morning's Alison Hammond has responded to the announcement of the show's new permanent hosts.
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley have been revealed as the new main presenters of the ITV daytime show on Monday to Thursdays, following both Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby leaving their roles in the last year.
Alison, alongside Dermot O'Leary, will continue to present the show on Fridays, and the hosts shared their reactions to the new appointments at the start of today's (February 16) show.
Dermot opened the programme by saying, "Welcome to your Friday's This Morning, and Ben and Cat… welcome to the family!"
Alison then shared her own joy and added: "We're so, so happy! The news is finally out, it's finally out."
Dermot showed a photo of him and Ben, alongside Andi Peters, and explained that the pair started their careers together while working at T4.
Meanwhile, Alison was full of praise for Cat, and said: "Cat is just the dream. I met her in LA, it was the first time.
"We're both Brummies… It was about four years ago, we met in LA… We went to a party and it was the first time these two Brummies collided, we've never separated."
Alison also confirmed that the presenting duo would be officially joining the team next month. She said: "We're so, so happy that they are joining the family! Ben and Cat, this is going to be great, isn't it?
"The secret is out! And they're joining us in March so we're looking forward to that."
In a statement, Ben, who has presented on fellow ITV show Good Morning Britain for the last ten years, said: "This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It's an honour to be trusted with the reins, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job."
Cat added: "This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it's on, it's like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships!"
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 & ITVX.
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