This Morning’s gamble to replace Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes on Fridays seems to have paid off, with viewers flocking to the show.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have pulled in 44% more viewers than last January’s Friday shows since they took over as Friday hosts on January 8.
Their episodes have averaged 1.3million viewers and got 21% of the available TV audience.
Many loyal fans threatened to boycott the show after the Mirror revealed Eamonn and Ruth were being dropped from their regular presenting slot after 14 years.
But in the event, more viewers were tempted to tune in – and they seem to like what they see.
On their first day, one declared: “God this is amazing, already LOVE Alison and Dermot.”
Another said: “They are so funny”, branding the new show “refreshing” and “pure lols”.
Dermot, 47, was freed up by the axing of The X Factor in 2019.
Mum-of-one Alison, 45, has been involved with This Morning for years as a roving reporter and is a firm favourite with most fans.
She and O’Leary have previously been paired as stand-in presenters and bosses were impressed by their chemistry.
But Alison was given duty-of-care counselling by ITV after facing a backlash from trolls.
In December, the former Big Brother contestant hinted at her struggle, sharing an Instagram post that read: “Strong people don’t put others down.”
Alison declared it had been “an honour” to work with Eamonn and Ruth over the years, along with main presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
She told the show’s fans: “I hope I can make you all proud!
“I’m thrilled to have been given this incredible opportunity.”
Eamonn, 61, and Ruth, 60, were left reeling by the decision to replace them – revealed by the Mirror in November, though they will return for holiday cover, starting in February half term.
The pair were said to be casualties of a “diversity drive” by show boss Martin Frizell, after ITV was criticised for its lack of non-white faces.
Last year chief exec Carolyn McCall announced a Diversity Acceleration Plan after ITV had an entire day with only one non-white face.
