Eamonn Holmes made a sly comment about This Morning “getting rid” of the host and his wife Ruth Langsford from their usual Friday slot on their last appearance on the daytime show before Christmas.
Last month, reports circulated the couple, both 60, had been informed by ITV their usual Friday presenting slot on the ITV show was no more.
Alison Hammond, 45, and Dermot O’Leary, 47, will take over the Friday slot - with Holmes and Langsford stepping in on occasion to cover regular hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
At the time, a spokesperson for This Morning said: “We have a stellar presenting line up on This Morning in Holly & Phillip and Eamonn & Ruth. Any additions to this line up will be announced in due course."
On Friday as the couple discussed the countdown to Christmas on the show, Langsford made a comment about Christmas tree sellers selling stock at discounted prices.
“Well they’re struggling to get rid of them I suppose, aren’t they,” Ruth said.
“I would say so darling,” Eamonn responded. “Which is why they’re getting rid of us on a Friday now after all this sort of chat.”
The pair are set to return in February to cover the half term week.
On Friday , Holmes wrote on Twitter: “Bye bye to you all on a Friday folks .... Hopefully see u next February for half-term This Morning. Thanks for having us and please have a safe and Merry Christmas.”
Last month, the couple spoke out after news of Hammond and O’Leary’s appointment as Friday hosts on This Morning was confirmed.
In identical statements the couple said: “It’s a changing of the guard on Fridays from January. ‘We hope you make Alison and Dermot as welcome as you’ve made us over the years. Have a Ball you two! It’s not Goodbye from us, it’s simply Au Revoir until the next half term.”
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Speaking about her new hosting duties, Hammond said: “I never dreamt that when I first joined This Morning - initially for a few months - that I would still be there 19 years later. I genuinely care about the show and the viewers who watch, so it’s a huge privilege and honour to be hosting a show I adore so much. I’m just really excited to be doing even more of what I love alongside the lovely Dermot.”
Co-host O’Leary said: “I'm deeply thrilled and honoured to be joining the This Morning team next year. We have huge shoes to fill and we are well aware what a privilege it is to be stepping into them. Above all, we want to have fun and for you to be able to kick your weekend off with a smile, especially given the year we've all had. So I'm delighted to be co-hosting with the living embodiment of sunshine on a rainy day. I can't wait to get started.”
