Fan favourite This Morning stars’ futures revealed after furious tug-of-war between channels
POPULAR duo Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are to remain at This Morning after bosses won a tug-of-war between channels.
The viewer favourites, who have booked jobs on rival stations, will be confirmed as lead summer schedule hosts after ITV bosses went all-out to retain them.
Back-up pair Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle were considered but will now form the rolling support rota with Joel Dommett.
Show executives believe Alison, 49, and Dermot, 51 — denied the top job when Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard replaced Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in March — will give a boost to ailing ratings.
Viewing figures have fallen by half, to as low as 486,000, since Cat and Ben arrived but last Friday, under Alison and Dermot, they reached 620,000.
A source said: “Viewers love Alison and Dermot so locking them in for the summer was a priority.
“Josie and Craig are great but execs couldn’t risk losing their best names when a spotlight’s on the show.
“It’s hoped a decent summer run from Ali and Dermot could get things off to a head-start when Cat and Ben return in September.”
Concerns were raised after Alison was booked for two new BBC projects — Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend and Florida Unpacked, a travel show with her son Aiden, 19.
Dermot had also landed a major gig as host of a new gameshow for UKTV’s Dave.
The source said: “Things looked a bit wobbly when Ali booked the travel show.
“It’s due to film in Florida before September. Thankfully, the schedules have worked out.”
A spokesman for This Morning said: “Our summer presenting line-up will be announced in due course.”