This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary shared a fun snap from his 50th birthday celebrations on Wednesday.
The presenter said he’d had a lovely day as he enjoyed a wild swim, brunch and steak dinner while posing with gold ’50’ balloons on his Instagram.
He had been taking over This Morning alongside Alison Hammond this week but had the day off for the milestone.
It came after Phillip Schofield’s shock axing over the weekend which happened after a reported feud with his co-star Holly Willoughby.
Dermot penned in his post: ‘Thanks a million for all the lovely messages. Wild swim, brunch, walk, steak. 50… not so bad so far. Dx.’
Milestone! This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary shared a fun snap from his 50th birthday celebrations on Wednesday
New role? It comes as he emerges as the bookies favorite to replace Phillip on the ITV show after already presenting every Friday with Alison Hammond
It comes as he emerges as the bookies favorite to replace Phillip on the ITV show after already presenting every Friday with Alison.
Bookies William Hill recently revealed that Dermot has been backed by punters to replace Phil as the next permanent host by the end of this week.
Dermot remains the 5/2 joint-market leader alongside Vernon Kay to be appointed host of the Monday to Thursday role.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: ‘As rumours intensify about Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s off-air relationship on ITV’s This Morning, we’ve seen backing for Friday presenter Dermot O’Leary to replace Schofield over the next few days.’
It comes after This Morning viewers were left shocked after discovering Dermot’s real age as he celebrated a milestone birthday on Wednesday.
Dermot was surprised by co-host Alison and the show’s crew as they brought out a cake and balloons during Tuesday’s episode.
Viewers were left in disbelief when Alison announced Dermot’s age – with a banner at the bottom of the screen also confirming he has just turned 50.
Taking to Twitter to share their surprised reactions, one user wrote: ‘No way Dermot is 50?!’
Another penned: No way is Dermot 50! He doesn’t look it’.
‘Wouldn’t have guessed that!’: It comes after This Morning viewers were left shocked after discovering Dermot ‘s real age as he celebrated a milestone birthday on Wednesday
Surprised: Viewers were left in disbelief when Alison announced Dermot’s age – with a banner at the bottom of the screen also confirming he has just turned 50
Oops: This Morning presenter Craig Doyle made a blunder as he stood in for Dermot on Wednesday’s episode of the show
A third added: ‘Happy birthday Dermot!! But 50? Wouldn’t have guessed that’
This Morning presenter Craig Doyle made a blunder as he stood in for Dermot on Wednesday’s episode of the show.
The star, 52, has taken over from Dermot while he celebrates his 50th birthday, helming the show with Alison Hammond. He will also co-host Thursday’s show.
Yet things got off to an awkward start when he failed to realise that the show had returned from an advert break, confessing to viewers: ‘I forgot we were on telly! We were all just chatting and then the music started!’
The Irish presenter is best known as a presenter for BT Sport where he covers the Rugby Union and MotoGP.
He made his debut on This Morning last year while stepping in for Dermot alongside Josie Gibson.
Despite the blunder, fans were quick to praise Craig, tweeting: ‘Craig and Alison are a great combo! Love his energy and natural charisma.’;
‘Loving Craig Doyle’s relaxed and dry sense of humour on @ThisMorning he also asks the guests sensible questions, he’s so chilled out, even Alison’s calmed down a bit. Surely he has to be considered for the permanent role (with Josie) #thismorning’;
‘Craig Doyle would be an excellent replacement, he has years of experience of presenting #ThisMorning’; ‘Nobody, absolutely nobody, is a better tv partner for Holly than Craig Doyle. If you can’t see it, there’s something wrong with you #thismorning #HollyWilloughby.’
It’s yet to be seen how many viewers tuned in for Craig’s presenting stint but it’s been revealed that This Morning has seen a dip since Phillip Schofield’s shock exit.
Part of his decision to leave was said to be in part of a rating plunge that occurred while he presented.
However, his final show last Thursday still pulled in average of 644,000 viewers. This figure had declined to 638,000 when Alison and Dermot hosted this Tuesday.
Monday’s show fared better, with an average of 703,000 viewers who were no doubt keen to see how the show would tackle Phillip’s exit.
Phillip, 61, revealed that he was stepping down from the ITV show over the weekend after 21 years following a turbulent week and a reported feud with co-star Holly Willoughby.
Regular Friday hosts Alison and Dermot have taken over for two weeks while Holly enjoys a half term break – it has not been announced who will co-host with her when she returns.
Alison and Dermot started Monday’s episode by paying tribute to Phillip but made no mention of the controversy as they kicked off Tuesday’s show, instead cheerfully dancing to Club Tropicana as they came on air.
With a smile, Alison said: ‘Hi all and welcome to your Tuesday’s This Morning! Little bit of Club Tropicana!’
The pair then discussed the sunny weather before announcing that Wham!’s Andrew Ridgeley would be on the show.
Alison and Dermot opened Monday’s programme with a 30-second tribute to Phil.
The new era also began by removing Phillip from the show’s credits – less than 48 hours after he left amid reports of a rift with his co-star Holly.
Alison and Dermot began the show by briefly addressing his exit, but there was no montage, just a single photo of Phil on screen and around half a minute of warm words.
Opening the broadcast, Alison said: ‘We can’t start today’s show without paying tribute to the man who spent the last two decades sitting on the This Morning sofa. Phillip Schofield.’
Dermot added: ‘So as a show, everyone on and off screen at ITV and This Morning on say a huge thank you to Phil for what he’s done to make the show such a success over the last 21 years.’
Alison continued: ‘Quite simply, we all know he’s one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had, and we and all the team wish him all the best for the future.’
Alison and Dermot, who co-host the show on Fridays, are hot contenders to take over Phil’s role permanently given their experience on the show.
Alison is currently the bookmaker Ladbrokes favourite to take on the role, giving her 2/1 odds.
However, ITV have not yet confirmed a permanent replacement nor who will host for the rest of the week.
Phillip announced over the weekend that he was stepping down from presenting the ITV talk show with ‘immediate effect’ after more than 20 years on the programme.
His departure came amid reports of a rift between him and Holly, and after his brother, Timothy Schofield, was sentenced to 12 years in jail after being convicted of child sex offences.
Phillip said in his statement: ‘I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
‘Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.’
Holly said: ‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, said: ‘Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades worth of absolutely terrific television on the This Morning sofa.
‘This Morning is made by one of the best and most diligent teams in television, who produce over 12 hours of live television each week.
‘We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with The British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.’
Holly and Phillip have reportedly called a truce in a private chat, with Phillip agreeing to leave the show in a deal which will ensure he gets a new solo-presenting gig – and can keep discussions open about his future on other shows such as Dancing On Ice.
Phil reportedly has just ‘tatters’ of his friendship with Willoughby left after he allegedly failed to tell her about his brother’s child sexual abuse case.
An ITV source told the Mirror last night: ‘Phil’s fate was decided on Friday. It was a unanimous decision that he had to go.
‘He was upset, but firm that if he was going to walk away he wanted to keep his roles on The Cube, the British Soap Awards, and Dancing on Ice – crucially, with or without Holly.
‘It has all been worked out in the smoothest way possible, but behind the scenes he has told friends he has been hung out to dry. And his friendship with Holly is now in tatters.
Dream team: The star, 52, has taken over from Dermot while he celebrates his 50th birthday, helming the show with Alison Hammond. He will also co-host Thursday’s show
Decline: It’s yet to be seen how many viewers tuned in for Craig’s presenting stint but it’s been revealed that This Morning has seen a dip since Phillip Schofield’s shock exit
Two sides: Holly and Phil have enjoyed support from inside and outside ITV in recent weeks
Exit: Phillip announced over the weekend that he was stepping down from presenting the ITV talk show with ‘immediate effect’ amid reports of a rift between him and Holly
‘It is hard to see how it could recover. The fact he chose to pointedly thank people who supported him – and the viewers – without mentioning her says it all.’
The once inseparable pair had increasingly grown apart in recent months, but the split became final after Phil was said to have kept Holly, 42, in the dark about his brother’s child sex abuse trial.
He issued a pointed statement on social media thanking fans for their support, but failed to mention Holly at all.
It is understood that Phil, who was described as ‘a broken man’, was digging his heels in to stay until the end, and that it took ‘much persuasion’ for him to agree to terminate his contract immediately. It means last Thursday was his final appearance on This Morning.