Alison Hammond stood in for Holly Willoughby on 'This Morning' today (18.11.20), as she had a "well-deserved day off".

Alison Hammond

Alison Hammond

The programme's roving reporter - who, along with Dermot O'Leary, is expected to take over from Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford to host the programme every Friday - got some more experience in the co-hosting hot seat today, as she presented alongside Phillip Schofield.

Opening the show, she said: "It's Alison who is standing in for Holly, who's having a well-deserved day off today."

Holly's absence wasn't explained any further on the programme, leading to some fans wondering where she was.

One posted on Twitter: "good morning where is the Beautiful Holly today on This morning Holly where are you hope you ok Holly? #missingHolly xxxx (sic)"

Another wrote: "Where is holly this morning (sic)"

What's more, some fans didn't take the news too well.

One tweeted: "This morning isn’t the same without holly (sic)"

Another wrote: "My day off and Holly isn’t on This Morning. That’s today down the pan (sic)"

It comes after speculation over the weekend that Alison and Dermot are to take over from Ruth and Eamonn every Friday on the programme, after impressing on a few Friday shows.

A source said: "They have real warmth. It's time for a change and they are perfect.

"Eamonn is pretty furious and everyone feels for him and Ruth, they are well liked on the team, but sometimes tough decisions have to be made."

Alison hosted 'This Morning' in October and banned any talk of coronavirus and lockdown.

She said at the time: “It will just be a joy! There will be nothing about lockdown or coronavirus. There’ll be a lot of recipes and food … and maybe a little bit of fashion and fun. It’s going to be great and I’m excited to be the boss!"

Regular editor Martin Frizell added: "I still can’t quite believe I’ve agreed to this ... but yes, on Friday our Alison Hammond will be stepping into my shoes and taking charge of ‘This Morning’.

"She will brief Dermot, decide on the topics and items of the day, and be in the gallery calling the shots and giving her unique style of guidance to the team."

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