ITV has reportedly axed Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as regular presenters on This Morning, and the reaction from viewers is extremely divided.
The married couple have hosted the show’s Friday slot since 2006 and are reportedly “furious and upset” with the news.
It’s being claimed the shake-up will see Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary replace them. Langsford and Holmes would then present the show when Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby go on their annual six-week summer hiatus.
Many viewers, who have been watching the pair for 14 years, were very disappointed with news of their departure.
“Eamonn & Ruth are a class-act – very polished, professional incisive and amusing. Why change a winning combination? Very sad!” tweeted one fan.
“Thats a real shame, why can’t ITV get rid of schofield, lets face it he will still have another 5 shows to present!” said another. “Eamonn and Ruth are amongst the few real true to life presenters that are left!!”
The Sun’s Dan Wootton added: “What appalling treatment of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford by This Morning and ITV. They’ve been absolute loyal rocks to that show through turmoil – and are beloved behind-the-scenes. Sad to see.”
Many other viewers, however, were delighted at the prospect of a shake-up.
“Am I the only person who can’t stand Eamonn Holmes?” asked one person.
A second said: “Eamonn and Ruth dropped from This Morning: 2020's closing stages just keeps on giving.”
“I’m glad tbh I don’t enjoy their episode as much as I do when Holly & Phil are presenting, plus Alison is hilarious,” tweeted a third. “Ruth & Eamonn have just gotten unbearable to watch they witter on too much.”
Earlier this year, ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said that representation in the media had to improve, and that the priority was no longer just on gender.
This Morning’s editor Martin Frizell is also reported to have said the show was hoping to expand its diversity having had all-white presenters for several decades.
Hammond has featured on the show since 2003. She guest presented the show earlier this summer to huge praise from viewers.
