This Morning star Alison Hammond hosted Friday’s episode with Josie Gibson, revealing that usual co-host Dermot O’Leary was absent

This Morning star Alison Hammond has explained co-host Dermot O’Leary’s absence from the ITV show.

Kicking off Friday’s episode, Alison, 49, revealed that she was hosting the programme with Josie Gibson as they entered the studio in a fun Thelma & Louise inspired stunt, complete with a sports car.

Alison said: “Just so you know, Dermot’s on holiday this week, he deserves it. But you [Josie] are my Louise to my Thelma, my partner in crime. Josie Gibson!” as Josie, 39, hugged Alison, saying: “Thanks for having me!” This Morning fans will recall that Alison and Dermot, 51, host This Morning on a Friday, taking over duties from main presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard who host Monday to Thursday.

This Morning star Alison Hammond has explained co-host Dermot O’Leary’s absence from the ITV show ( Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
It comes as Dermot, 51, hosted Soccer Aid on Sunday alongside Alex Scott. The charity match returned for 2024, taking place at Stamford Bridge, and sees a string of A-listers get together in order to raise millions for Unicef.

Meanwhile, it’s been an exciting few days for Alison as apparently she is said to have been offered the chance to front a new travel show for the BBC. Florida Unpacked will see Alison exploring the Sunshine State as part of a new documentary series.

Despite Alison’s continued rise to the top, it’s alleged that not everyone is happy with her signing up to multiple projects. A TV insider told The Sun newspaper: “This is a continuing nightmare for ITV as Alison is seen by them as one of their biggest stars – but she’s increasingly working for their rivals.”

Kicking off Friday’s episode, Alison, 49, revealed that she was hosting the programme with Josie Gibson (Image: ITV)
It’s thought BBC bosses could even air the programme in the same slot as ITV brunchtime show This Morning. The insider added: “The travel show is the latest tempting offer she’s taken up with BBC execs revelling in the fact they can put it head-to-head with ‘This Morning’.

“It could lead to the situation where Alison can be seen hosting the daytime magazine show on ITV while simultaneously being seen over on BBC One.” Filming for the first run of the series is due to start next month. It comes after Alison confirmed in April she is to host a brand-new show for the BBC, titled Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend.