This Morning

This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley looked back on their schooldays with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary

This Morning star Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were seen giggling over their old school photos ahead of their return to the ITV programme. Hosts Ben and Cat laughed about their school days with Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond in a new promo for the daytime show.

The main hosts for the show will return to our screens on September 1 while Alison and Dermot will be back hosting on Fridays from September 5. In the promo, Alison told Cat that she “hasn’t changed” while she added about Dermot’s sweet snap: “Ain’t he lovely?” Their childhood photos are lined up under their initials – A, B, C and D.

Ben and Cat have been on a summer break while Emma Willis, Andi Peters, Sian Welby and Rochelle Humes have been guest-hosting for the stars.

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Along with the return of the regular hosts, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, West End star Jodie Prenger and TV vet Dr Scott Miller will be judging the Pup Idol segment as they’re given the difficult task of picking a pet dog to win a role on Coronation Street.

Meanwhile, Dr Zoe Williams will help viewers reduce their biological age in a new series called Hack Your Age. On Monday morning, Rylan Clark welcomed back Josie Gibson to the show after she took some time away to film her solo series.

Explaining her absence from the show, Josie replied: “I have been really busy. I have been going all around the South West; it has been brilliant.

“But do you know the last time I saw you? You were picking up a little BAFTA.”

“Oh, yes, it was,” Rylan laughed as he recalled, “I think we’d both had a little beverage that night, and I just remember strolling out and I said, ‘Jose, I’ve got to go bed’.”

“You sneaked out,” Josie chimed in as Rylan continued: “I did a sly exit.”

“Is that your first BAFTA?” Josie asked before adding, “I am so proud of you.” Cat’s return to This Morning comes after her shock split from husband Patrick Kielty.

This Morning host Cat and Irish comedian, 54, and who share sons Milo, seven, and James, five, revealed last month that they had taken the decision to end their 13 year marriage, stressing that ‘no other party’ was involved.

The former couple shared a joint statement on July 29 that read: “We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

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This Morning star Alison Hammond has issued a brutal response to cruel trolls who have called for her to be axed from an ITV show.

Alison Hammond has delivered a blunt three-word message to critics calling for her axe from an ITV programme – “deal with it”.

The host has responded to demands from online trolls over her position on For The Love Of Dogs.

The 50-year-old broadcaster took over hosting the ITV programme after Paul O’Grady’s death in 2023 and two years on she continues to face scrutiny.

Yet, the This Morning favourite has served up a brutal comeback. Chatting to The Guardian, Alison declared: “People say Pete Wicks would be better than me at presenting For the Love of Dogs.

“He might be, but I’m doing it. Deal with it! I know my worth. Besides, my mum would have been so proud. That’s why I do this. She’s my guiding light.”

Additionally, Alison referenced a TikTok clip showing a woman slamming her involvement in Celebrity Gogglebox,” reports Birmingham Live.

Alison revealed she is “good at saying no” and will reject opportunities if they don’t fit her schedule or when she requires downtime.

She went on: “It may seem like I’m on TV a lot, but I stand out partly because it’s still not common to see a Black woman doing this.

“I don’t want to bring race into it but nobody says that about Davina or Ant and Dec. I’ve worked hard for 22 years to get here.”

Alison emphasised she is merely “doing a job that I adore to the best of my ability, trying to be better than I was yesterday”.

Previously this year, Alison was stunned when a vicious online bully branded her “repulsive”. She shared a light-hearted video of herself driving a tractor in a cornfield on social media, with the caption: “Rolling into my holidays.”

However, a comment from a 77-year-old man named Peter left her almost speechless. Peter’s comment read: “People say Pete Wicks would be better than me at presenting For the Love of Dogs.

“Any time we see you are on TV we switch channels as you turn our stomachs being so fat and repulsive with a huge mouth.”

Clearly distressed, Alison retweeted his comment with a single word – “Wow”.

One fan, rallying behind the presenter, commented: “Alison you know how special and fantastic you are.”

CAT Deeley has taken off her wedding ring as she was seen for the first time since her split with Patrick Kielty, and trip with a male friend. 

Cat and Patrick – who share sons Milo, seven, and James, five – announced that they were separating last month. 

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Now photos show This Morning host Cat, 48, without her ring on her wedding finger. 

The TV presenter has instead swapped it onto her right hand, in a nod to this new chapter of her life. 

Cat was spotted without the bling on her left hand while stepping out to run errands in a very chic outfit. 

She had a crisp white shirt on and denim jeans, and wore her hair down in loose waves. 

The mum-of-two clutched onto her purse while out and about near the former couple’s marital home. 

Cat looked sunkissed following her recent trip to Spain with a hairdresser pal. 

The star was seen out for dinner with a male friend in Sitges, Spain on August 2 – just days after she and Patrick, 54, split. 

Onlookers told the Daily Mail how the presenter looked “crestfallen” during the “difficult time”. 

The snaps obtained by the publication show Cat without her wedding ring as she and hairdresser pal Ben Skervin tucked into dinner at restaurant Chiringuito de Garraf.

Ben is a celebrity hairstylist and has worked with the likes of the Spice Girls, Mariah Carey and Madonna. 

A fellow diner said: “Cat looked a bit down and a touch crestfallen, not her usual spritely self, which is understandable given her marriage split.

“Her accent was recognisable to a number of Brits at the restaurant, which is popular with celebrities, and she had interacted with a few British kids also dining there

“She clearly needed to be around her nearest and dearest during such a difficult time.”

Cat was a no-show at the funeral of Patrick’s mother in March, his family “knew the marriage was over”. 

One said: “Whatever rockiness was going on in the marriage, something as momentous as his mother’s funeral, you would make up even temporarily and just put your ‘best face’ on as we say in Northern Ireland.

“Cat obviously knew how close Patrick was to Mary and she should have come to be by his side, a hand on his shoulder as he buried his mother. 

“The fact that she stayed in London and presented This Morning on the day, it’s not been forgotten.

At the time of Mary’s funeral, Cat insisted she’d stayed in London to be with their sons Milo, seven, and James, five.A spokesman for Cat told the Mail: “Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.”

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The search for Shannon Matthews, nine, became a major missing person police operation and, after several weeks, she was found at an address in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

A man who investigated Shannon Matthews‘ disappearance has revealed the moment he knew the girl’s mum Karen was the person behind it all.

Richard Edwards, who was a local reporter at the time, appeared on This Morning yesterday to talk about his involvement in the case which saw a huge missing person police operation launched for the girl. She was found at her mum’s then-boyfriend Michael Donovan’s house in a plot to claim a £50,000 reward, and both Karen and Donovan were prosecuted and jailed.

The search lasted 24 days in February and March 2008, during which time people on the estate near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire eventually became suspicious of Karen. It dawned on Mr Edwards himself Karen could be responsible when a man approached him – as he worked late on the estate one evening for a local newspaper – and pointed at Karen’s house, insisting she had known along along where Shannon was.

READ MORE: This Morning host says ‘stop the show’ minutes in as viewers ‘switch off’READ MORE: How to watch new Shannon Matthews documentary 17 years on from fake kidnap scandal

Speaking to Emma Willis and Andi Peters on the ITV This Morning sofa yesterday, Mr Edwards said: “There was one particular night where to this day I’ve never known who this person was. It was a Sunday night, a few days before Karen was arrested…

“A car pulled up on the estate, I was working, it was late on the Sunday, it was dark and a guy got out and he said ‘Where’s that Richard Edwards from the Yorkshire Evening Post?’

“I thought I’ve done something to offend this fella, but I need to front up. I said ‘That’s me’. He came over, he was right at the end of Mooreside Road and he pointed towards the house, he went ‘She’s done it. She’s known where that little girl has been all along.’

“Then got into the car and drove off and I thought right… that was weird. That was on top of the other stuff I’d been hearing. And then three days later she was arrested.”

The mum would later be charged with child neglect and perverting the course of justice. She was jailed for eight years after a jury found her guilty of those offences.

But Mr Edwards still to this day – 17 years on – does not know who the man who approached him was. The journalist continued: “If he’s watching this and wants to get in touch with me just to explain who he is and just clear up that tiny little outstanding part of the story. I would love to hear from him because he didn’t tell me who he was, but he was right. He was right.”

Donovan was also jailed for eight years after the trial at Leeds Crown Court, after which he was convicted of kidnapping and false imprisonment. Donovan died of cancer in hospital at the age of 54 last year.

ROCHELLE Humes appears to have offered an olive branch to Frankie Bridge amid the pair’s feud and Wimbledon snub.

The Sun previously revealed friction behind-the-scenes with This Morning anchor Rochelle, 36, and her The Saturdays co-star Frankie, 36.

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Mum of two Frankie, 36, recently posted a cryptic “you’re dead to me” upload after the pair kept their distance at Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, Rochelle – who was in The Saturdays band with Frankie since 2007 – uploaded an equally thought-provoking message about “choosing partners wisely.”

Frankie’s mystery message was also also posted after her feud with Myleene Klass came to light – after a row over the Hear’Say singer’s “cheating” ex.

We then reported how ITV has stepped in to manage strained relations between Frankie, Rochelle, and Myleene.

Yet now Rochelle has appeared to support Frankie in a rare move, hitting the heart-shaped like button on her recent Instagram upload.

It showed the Loose Women panelist stripping to a patterned bikini as she soaked up the sunshine in the Maldives.

While the pair still follow each other on Instagram, Rochelle’s like is a rare move amid their feud – as they rarely publicly support each others’ posts.

The Up singers haven’t liked each others’ uploads in years, and there have been no likes or comment exchanges between the pair since 2013.

This could mean they were wiped if one of them had blocked the other.

TOUGH TIMES

Recently, The Sun reported how ITV has stepped into manage relations between Frankie, Rochelle, and Myleene.

All three former pop stars now work as Daytime presenters at ITV.

They were all once close, with Loose Women hosts Myleene and Frankie attending Rochelle’s hen do back in 2012.

However, Rochelle and Frankie remained friends with their former bodyguard and Myleene’s ex husband Graham Quinn.

Rochelle even posted snaps with Graham in Ibiza earlier this week.

Marvin and Rochelle Humes Career Highlights

Singers and presenters Marvin and Rochelle Humes have enjoyed successes both together and individually. Here are some of their biggest highlights.

• S Club Junior/S Club 8: Early in her career, Rochelle was a member of this S Club 7 spin-off group. All of the original members were either early teens or younger when joining the band. They disbanded in 2005.
• VS: The brainchild of Blue singer Simon Webbe, a pre-JLS Marvin featured in this group from 2004 to 2005. Although not a member himself, Webbe also managed the band.
• The Saturdays: Rochelle joined the English-Irish girl band in 2007, along with Frankie Bridge, Vanessa White, Una Healy and Mollie King, following auditions. The group began an indefinite hiatus in 2014, although each of the members have moved on to other ventures.
• JLS: After leaving VS, Marvin met Oritsé Williams through mutual friends, forming the beginning of what became JLS. Adding Aston Merrygold and JB Gill, the group famously auditioned for The X-Factor in 2008. JLS finished as runners-up to Alexandra Burke and initially disbanded in 2013. They later reunited from 2020 onwards.
• This Morning: The couple were regular stand-in presenters on the ITV daytime show up until 2015.
• The Voice: Marvin hosted series three through five of The Voice alongside Emma Willis on BBC One. The show later moved to BBC One, without Marvin continuing on.
• The Hit List: Marvin and Rochelle began presenting this music-themed game show in 2019. The programme’s success has seen both civilians and celebrities take part.
• I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!: Marvin participated in the 2023 series of the beloved show. He starred alongside the likes of Josie Gibson, Tony Bellew, Nigel Farage and Fred Sirieix. In the end Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle.

In 2013, soon after Myleene’s divorce from Quinn, guests at the Glamour Women of the Year awards saw her storm over to Frankie after believing she had been blanked.

A source said: “Myleene seemed to take that as Frankie taking sides with Graham because of their working relationship.”

Meanwhile, Frankie and Myleene have not appeared on Loose Women together since an “awkward” episode last December.

Sources said that though they’d rather not be on together, they are professionals and do their best to make things work.

Tensions between the trio could well have heightened after Graham hit back at Myleene this weekend, blasting allegations of his “cheating.”

WIMBLEDON WOE

Frankie and Rochelle snubbed each other at Wimbledon last month, after a 24-year friendship.

Then this week, I’m A Celeb star Frankie shared a TikTok about falling out with a friend.

A caption written over the clip read: “You’re so quiet…

“Thanks, you said something five years ago and I’ve just realised you’re actually dead to me.”

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Loose Women has had one off specials before and this week there will be another change to their panel amid ITV cost cutting exercises

Loose Women will change up their panel for the first-ever Loose Doctors special on Wednesday.

Dr Amir Khan, Dr Zoe Williams, Dr Hilary Jones and Dr Nighat Arif will examine the health issues that matter most to viewers and explain how we can all improve our own wellbeing.

During the lunchtime show, the four ITV Daytime doctors will tackle the taboo topics that people are often afraid to ask about and share their top tips for living a longer and happier life. And it comes after ITV fans accuse Alan Titchmarsh of ‘ruining’ garden as foster parents were left sobbing

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Ahead of the episode, Dr Amir, who often works on Good Morning Britain, said: “This is the first time four of ITV’s Daytime doctors will be on the panel together to look at the health issues that affect us all.

“We’ll be sharing our expert medical advice and having some very candid conversations about the things that our patients are often too embarrassed to talk about, but shouldn’t be, and hopefully giving them the confidence to make the most of their appointments. I’m really looking forward to the episode and hope that viewers will enjoy it, as well as learning some important and potentially life saving tips too.”

This Morning star Dr Nighat added: “I couldn’t be happier sharing a panel with some dear colleagues and friends for this special episode. We will be opening up on some of our own heartfelt health stories and having a number of important conversations about how viewers can look after themselves, as well as sharing our top self-examination tips.

“As doctors, we are also humans and hope that by sharing a little part of our own lives, our patients and viewers know that they’re not alone and sometimes, we’re going through similar things to them.”

The special follows on from other one-off versions of the programme including Loose Men panels on International Men’s Day.

Dr Zoe said: “I’m so excited for this episode of Loose Doctors. While the four of us know each other well, we’ll be sharing some of our own stories and experiences, just as our patients bravely share theirs with us. We hope this offers viewers the chance to get to know us better and helps people feel more comfortable opening up. We’re going to be tackling some of the taboo topics people might not always want to discuss, to empower you to feel confident in understanding and checking your own body, and knowing when to seek help.”

And Dr Hilary, well known for working with Lorraine Kelly on screen, said: “I think viewers are going to love the first-ever Loose Doctors episode.

“You’ll see four of ITV’s Daytime doctors open up about their personal journeys whilst offering some of our tips to look after you and your family. I hope that viewers will learn a lot and be entertained at the same time as we open the Loose Doctors doors for the first time.”

Loose Women has been on ITV since 1999 and normally sees a rotating panel comprised of women discussing issues from a their perspectives, from politics and current affairs to all the latest gossip.

It is one of a number of daytime shows at ITV facing cuts and the daytime panel show will be down to 30 weeks a year in 2026.

It means some of the panelists are likely to lose their jobs.

* Loose Doctors airs on Wednesday 6th August, from 12:30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

Josie Gibson shares her thoughts on Olivia Attwood’s latest presenting role on This Morning amid huge backlash by trolls as some threaten to boycott show

Josie Gibson has hit back at trolls in defence of Olivia Attwood after she became the victim of cruel jibes following her new presenting role on This Morning. Fans of the ITV daytime TV show have even threatened to boycott the show reportedly due to her rise to fame from Love Island, in 2017.

The 34 year old TV personality, who has since gone on to be a panellist on Loose Women and host her own podcast, had appeared on the third series of the reality TV show. But Olivia is not the first person to have a reality TV background, so too has Josie Gibson, Alison Hammond and Rylan Clark.

Both women were on Big Brother and Rylan shot to fame from X Factor. So it’s perhaps understandable why Josie, 40, has decided to break her silence. It comes after it was announced that Olivia had landed yet another huge TV job.

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In an interview with The Sun, the mum of one who appeared on Big Brother in 2010, said: “Oh my God she’s brilliant. It’s brilliant she gets to do this and I think she’s really good. Yeah, really good. Honestly, you get some backlash like that in this industry and I really don’t know why people do it.”

She added: “I’ll never understand why people do it, you know. To me, I’ve always loved to see people do well and I genuinely love it. I love it when people succeed and I want to bring everybody up and make sure everybody has a go on the horses, do you know what I mean? “

While on This Morning to discuss her new TV show The Price of Perfection in June, Olivia revealed her news to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd.

Engineering the conversation, Ben told the former Love Island star “We’ve got some big news about This Morning and you in the summer.”

In response Olivia said: “I have some news yes, it’s very exciting. I’ll be joining you guys on the hosting team on the other side of the sofa.”

The TV duo then gestured for Olivia to sit on their side of the sofa to “feel what it’s like.”

Getting up to switch her seat, the newbie said: “This is even more surreal.”

Complimenting the new addition to the presenting team, Cat said: “We look amazing together.” And this prompted Olivia to ask Cat: “Shall we do a show together?”

The Loose Women panellist add more detail to her announcement as she said: “So it’s a couple of shows, I’m very excited, it’s a huge honour. I’ve grown up watching this show, and being part of the ITV presenting team with Loose Women has been a great experience so this just feels like a very natural progression.”

Olivia was brought in to replace Ben and Cat when they take time off for their six week holiday.

But her new role divided fans. One person wrote: “So Attwood is going to be co-hosting #ThisMorning over the summer. FFS like we don’t get enough of her on #Loosewomen, surprised they haven’t asked that talentless Sam Thompson to step in as well!”

Another added: “How many more viewers do they want to lose? Attwood joining the team is really poor decision.”

A third said: “Just when you think the presenters can’t get any worse they decide to take on Olivia Attwood.”

Meanwhile a fourth penned: “Well done … That’s another step downhill for this show! I wonder who else will be hosting over the summer?”

But not everyone thought her inclusion was a bad idea. One fan of the ITV show wrote: “It’s great that Olivia Attwood will be a presenter on This Morning, she’ll be fantastic.”

And a second said: “Love Olivia, will definitely be tuning in.”

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Chloe Kelly has spoken out about what she would like to do following her major football victory and could be following in the footsteps of former Lioness Jill Scott

Chloe Kelly has revealed her hopes for a big career move following her England win. The Lioness, 27, brought it home for England when she scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, in what became a historic victory for the women’s national team.

The sports star made an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Thursday where she joined hosts Dermot O’Leary and Rochelle Humes to discuss her achievements and career so far, alongside a group of aspiring young footballers. When one of the children asked Chloe what she would be doing if she was not a footballer, she admitted that she has a wish to carve our a career in the world of sports media. At first, she said: “If I weren’t a footballer, what would by job me? I’m not too sure, I’ve never really thought about it,” before adding: “I enjoy the media, so hopefully I could be interviewing another footballer maybe? And I’d definitely be in the stadium with the fans.”

If Chloe were to start up a career in the media, she would be following in the foosteps of Jill Scott, who captained England in 2021, and then went onto win I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here the following year. She is now a regular pundit across both men and women’s matches, captains the team on sports-comedy series A League Of Their Own, and has occasionally appeared as a panellist on Loose Women. It comes just days after Jill herself delivered her verdict on the England team shortly before they enjoyed their Euros success.

READ MORE: Chloe Kelly issues apology for Lionesses victory parade incident – ‘Emotions got better of me’READ MORE: England’s Euro 2025 winners to lose major chunk of prize money after return home

Meanwhile, Chloe was also asked about how she manages to stay so calm during intense moments in the match, and she admitted: “I’m more nervous sitting here than taking a penalty, actually! I stay calm by just sticking to my process.

She added: “I train that process a lot. I breathe, I take my breath and I either score or I miss, and that’s the worst that can happen. That’s the way I see it, it’s just me against the goalkeeper so I’m very relaxed.”

Establishing herself as an England legend in the showpiece event, Chloe confidently dispatched her penalty past Spain’s Cata Coll to secure victory. BBC Sports commentator Vicki Sparks captured the moment perfectly: “This is it, this is the moment for Chloe Kelly. Can she be England’s heroine? Chloe Kelly… yes she can!”

Kelly rose to the occasion magnificently, rescuing England from perilous situations on three separate occasions. Teaming up with emerging talent Michelle Agyemang, the duo rekindled the country’s belief in achieving a magnificent triumph that delivered a “proper English performance” culminating in continental success.

Following the trophy presentation, Chloe was heard declaring: “The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice.” Yet beyond the football field, she remains remarkably private about her personal affairs. Having wed her long-time partner last year, early 2025 almost witnessed her departure from professional football entirely.

Kelly was joined by her England team-mates for a victory parade down The Mall in London on Tuesday. The team had the Euro 2025 trophy with them on an open-top as they were greeted by an estimated 65,000 supporters in central London. Manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson then led the squad up onto a stage outside Buckingham Palace, where they were interviewed by Alex Scott. There were some heartwarming moments, including Wiegman doing a duet with Burna Boy and Williamson holding back tears as she spoke.

But there was also a moment where Kelly – the scorer of England’s winning penalty against Spain on Sunday – turned the air blue. She said: “It feels so good to stand side by side with each and every one of these girls.

“It’s so f****** special. It’s incredible to stand here today with a winners’ medal around our necks and I’m so proud to be English.”

It wasn’t the first time that the Arsenal forward had been caught on camera swearing, having dropped the same word after picking up her winners’ medal from Prince William in Basel. This time she quickly took to social media, writing: “Ooops. Emotions got the better of me. Sorry for the F bomb. Love, CK x.”

Midsomer Murders fans were left distracted as they noticed a familiar face from the Inspector Morse series

Midsomer Murders viewers found themselves thoroughly distracted on Tuesday evening after Kevin Whately popped up in a repeat episode of the ITV series.

The star, renowned for portraying Lewis in both Inspector Morse and the ITV spin-off Lewis, stepped into the shoes of murder suspect Jeremy in the John Barnaby drama.

Within moments of the episode beginning, fans flocked to Twitter to express their excitement over the Inspector Morse crossover.

@NickStevenson63 wrote: “So… when worlds collide; Inspector Lewis in Midsomer Murders. It was bound to happen sooner or later given the number of strange and bizarre deaths in this otherwise quiet corner of Oxfordshire.”

@Suzy_H14 begged: “They can’t kill #Lewis #MidsomerMurders,” reports the Express.

@ghostheart__ observed: “Lots of Morse/Lewis links in this episode of #MidsomerMurders – firstly Kevin Whately who was obviously Lewis in Morse/Lewis, Jane Bertish who was in Morse episode The Wolvercote Tongue and Alexander Hanson who was in Lewis episode Generation of Vipers.”

@dennison_shelly continued: “Fabulous collection of musical theatre actors in tonight’s #MidsomerMurders and the universe-bending inclusion of Lewis aka Kevin Whately. Excellent fun.

“Lewis better not get killed off in tonight’s #MidsomerMurders that’d just be too weird,” @neiltheshaker posted.

@samjcstuff revealed: “My brain is not computing Lewis appearing in #midsomermurders.”

Kevin portrayed Robert “Robbie” Lewis in Inspector Morse from 1987 to 2000, and in Lewis from 2006 to 2015.

In a 2023 interview, Midsomer Murders’ lead actors Neil Dudgeon and Fiona Dolman graced the This Morning sofa to discuss the show’s milestone 50th episode.

The on-screen couple shared a light-hearted conversation with hosts Alison Hammond and Craig Doyle about the enduring appeal of the series.

“So what’s the secret to your on-screen success?” Alison inquired, prompting Neil to quip: “Sexual chemistry.”

He elaborated: “I think we’ve just got on very well right from the start, didn’t we?”.

“We did,” Fiona concurred. “Neil was already cast, so I had an audition, and I had to go in and read with him.

“And yeah, I think we clicked right from the beginning.”

Reflecting on their long-running partnership, Fiona added: “We’ve done it for 12 years now which means all that kind of fear that you have as an actor when you join something and you have to pretend you have an intimate relationship with someone that you’ve never met, that’s all just gone now, hasn’t it?”.

“It is great, I always said we should have had Fiona in the show anyway,” Neil, who plays John Barnaby, interjected.

Fans can catch up with Midsomer Murders on the ITV Hub.

ITV executives are said to be preparing to axe one in 10 cast members from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale as part of fresh cost-cutting measures

ITV chiefs are reportedly planning sweeping cast reductions across their two premier soaps, with proposals to cut one in ten performers as part of new budget-slashing initiatives.

Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale may also witness fewer scenes per episode as ITV seeks to trim an additional £15 million from its overall spending, according to The Sun.

The broadcaster’s earnings have allegedly plummeted by 44 per cent to £99 million during the first six months of the year, sparking a fresh drive to curb production expenses.

Insiders suggest bosses are now pressing soap creators to reduce their escalating costs, with cast sizes being a primary target for scrutiny.

Coronation Street presently features 84 regular cast members, whilst Emmerdale boasts 70, reports the Express.

An insider revealed: “It’s brutal. We’ve known it was on the cards for a while, but they’re really cranking it up now and it’s across the soaps.

“They’re looking to save millions and Corrie and Emmerdale are the obvious places. They’re very expensive shows.

“Many who have been there for a long time are reliant on their income staying as it is.

“The amount of cast has spiralled out of control and focusing on dialogue, not action, could also save money.”

Industry sources have also hinted that the number of scenes per episode – currently averaging around 20 – might be reduced to lower filming expenses.

Fewer personalities could also feature in individual episodes to help maintain tighter budgets.

While some long-standing cast members are on full-time contracts with salaries, most are paid per episode, which means that reducing screen time or overall scenes could significantly cut costs.

These proposed changes come as ITV makes cuts across its daytime schedule. Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women have all reportedly been affected, with hundreds of staff being made redundant in recent months.

In response to reports of soap cast reductions, an ITV spokesperson stated: “This is complete speculation.”

This Morning’s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary were on hand to deliver the latest headlines to ITV viewers on Tuesday’s show.

Emotions were at an all-time high during Tuesday’s instalment of This Morning.

During the ITV show, viewers saw Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary speak to one dad whose son has suffered severe burns.

At the time, nine-year-old William Tyler ran across boiling hot sand, which had still been scorching from a disposable barbecue.

As a result, William needed multiple surgeries on his burns. During the show, his father, Toby, was overcome with emotion as he recalled hearing his son in pain.

Alison said, “So, you’re having a lovely time. You’re there with your wife Claire, your daughter Lily, and William, having a lovely time on the beach. Then the two kids go off, have a little run, and the next thing you hear is your son William, screaming.”

He said: “Yeah, that was a-“, Toby started to choke up with emotion as he recalled the horrific moment.

Realising his struggle, Alison commented: “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

Toby added: “It was a really hard point because it was so out of the blue, and it’s something that doesn’t go away. They were literally just playing, and his feet sank into sand where the barbeque had been several hours before.

“We were clueless about what had happened. We thought’ he’d trodden on something sharp, so it took a minute to work out what had happened.”

Alison told viewers the sand was still extremely hot, despite it being hours after the barbecue had been moved.

He added: “As soon as he comes out, you could see his foot basically stripped of the skin. I think that was the difficult thing. It looked extraordinary.

“We couldn’t work out what he’d done, we thought something had pierced it to take the skin off, there was no blood. Literally, the skin had died across his foot straight away.”

With their car far away, Toby had to carry his son on his shoulders as he recalled William being in ‘extraordinary pain’.

Praising his son, Toby added: “He was incredible really, just managing to sustain things whilst we got him to hospital.”

After William was given some pain relief, he had to be transferred to another hospital to a burns unit, where he spent nine days.

In the end, the child needed skin grafts to replace the skin on his feet.

This Morning is available to watch on ITVX.

Ben Shephard delighted fans as he continued to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday.

Ben Shephard has delighted fans by sharing his “bucket list moment” amid his break from This Morning.

The former Good Morning Britain presenter, 50, has been celebrating his milestone birthday over recent months with a series of challenges he set himself.

He’s been keeping his Instagram followers updated along the way, as he vowed to be “the fittest I’ve ever been” before his 50th birthday.

Before turning 50 in December, Ben attempted cold water swimming, walking 5k and braving ice baths.

He’s now continued his celebrations with a family trip to Australia.

Sharing a peek into his travels with his sons, Ben wrote: “ So this is just a little bit exciting!!!!

“As part of my 50th year celebrations continue (have I mentioned I’ve turned 50) a proper bucket list moment, as we’ve just landed in Australia with the family – to support the British and Irish Lions across their tests!!!!

“I’m doing a bit of work but mostly doing a lot of cheering, supporting and merch acquiring…Lions Suitcases anyone.

“Can’t wait for later – thoughts on the score??? Also in Brisbane for a few days any recommends will be gratefully received!”

Fans and friends alike rushed to share their support, with Loose Women ’s Katie Piper writing: “That’s such a great thing to do as a family.”

“So exciting,” This Morning regular Ashley James said, while Helen Skelton wrote: “What an adventure,” and Gaby Roslin said: “Have an amazing adventure.”

Carol Vorderman shared her own anecdote, commenting: “Omg Ben I was filming in Brizzie and across Queensland in 1989 (it was very different then) and bumped into the Lions in a bar in Cairns Took me days to recover but what a laugh First time I ever had shots of tequila … it wasn’t a “thing” 40 years ago Bloody hell… life’s never dull Have a great great time.”

“Have fun big man there is some@great place to eat out there enjoy,” Jamie Oliver added.

Ben proved his challenges to be as fit as he could be paid off with a shoot in May showing off his six-pack.

Recreating his Men’s Health cover from 13 years ago, the TV presenter revealed his toned body, saying: “To get stronger, physically and mentally, is definitely harder the older you get. In my forties, I was still on the attack. In my fifties, I’m on the defensive.

“It’s all about how I prolong things now – not going out and smashing it left, right and centre.

“Proving to yourself you have the discipline to do something, proving you can be accountable to yourself is incredibly seductive and infectious. The more you get of that, the more you want it.”

Ben went on to explain that he appreciates his body now more than his 2012 photoshoot, and would “love” to recreate it again when he turns 60.

He told Men’s Health : “I think I value the condition I’m in now more than in 2012. I’ve got more lean muscle, that’s for sure.

“There are parts of my body that are bigger. I think my body fat is a little bit higher than it was then. Back then it was probably single figures and I think I’m about 10.5% to 10.8% now – which is extraordinary when you think I’m 13 years older.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

This Morning fan-favourite Josie Gibson is embarking on a new venture away from her hosting duties.

ITV announced that This Morning favourite Josie Gibson is fronting her own TV show away from This Morning.

Described as embarking on a ‘renovation of a lifetime’, Josie is opening the doors to her new West Country home for ITV viewers.

Titled Josie Gibson’s Big Country Build, the series will see the 40-year-old undertake the ambitious plan to turn the dilapidated Somerset house into a modern 21st-century home.

As the camera follows the chaos that unfolds, Josie is on a mission to grow her own food and harness her own energy, highlighting her passion for the environment and sustainable living.

A synopsis for the show reads: “In a bid to ensure her new home and the stunning landscape around her is protected and preserved.

“From installing an underground heat pump to setting up auto-flowing beehives, Josie will explore ways to maintain her four acres of land in the most eco-friendly way.”

The series, which is produced by MGM Alternative UK, is expected to air in 2026 and will span across seven episodes.

Along the way, ITV viewers will see Josie team up with her brothers and scrap metal traders Josh and Charlie.

Her cousin ‘Builder Tom’ will also be lending a hand alongside a plethora of eccentric locals all willing to help Josie get her passion project into action.

Ahead of the series, Josie commented: “My dream is to build a house as eco and luxurious as possible, where you are immersed in the sanctuary of nature. I want to use the acres of land to try and do my best to have a little small holding.

“I want bees, birds, and badgers to all live in harmony. Though I’m becoming increasingly concerned that my harmonious dream is slowly turning into a construction nightmare.. I can’t wait to bring the audience along on this journey with me!”

ITV viewers will get to see the renovation project every step of the way as the This Morning star attempts to assemble her dream home.

With blacked-out windows, a walk-in wardrobe and an on-site gym, Josie has her work cut out.

The synopsis continued: “She adapts to new surroundings, Josie will be building lots of new friendships with neighbours who could prove integral towards making her renovation dreams a reality.”

Josie Gibson’s Big Country Build will broadcast across ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player in 2026.

This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger

This Morning’s Cat Deeley was left speechless as she discovered her biological age after confessing to bad sleeping habits.

During Thursday’s (July 17) episode of the ITV hit chat show, Cat, 48, and co-host Ben Shephard, 50, made a return to our screens as they presented the day’s top stories.

However it was one segment that took the pair by surprise as they took a medical test to discover what their biological age is.

Joined by longevity and biohacking expert, Dr. Alka Patel Cat asked: “Tell us, what is biohacking?” Dr Alka explained: “Biohacking is all about taking control of your health. If you split the word up, what you’re taking control of is your biology and the hacking is getting into your control centre, to really understand how you’re made.”

Keen to find out more, Cat further asked: “So what’s the difference between your biological age and the other age.”

Dr Alka revealed: “This is super important to know is that getting older and ages are two different things and most people don’t think of it like that. Your biological age is based on the level of your cells.”

Eager to find out how old they really are, Dr Alka, 53, went first and revealed that her biological age is 20. A shocked Ben replied: “What!” as Cat jumped in: “How did you do that?”

Dr Alka admitted: “I’ve been testing for a number of years and over the years that biological age hasn’t shifted.”

Turning attention to Ben, he went on to say: “My chronological age, not sure I’ve told you this but I’m 50, so we’re going to find out my biological age.”

The TV star, who prides himself on living a healthy lifestyle and regularly exercises, was left unimpressed as he discovered his biological age was only 46-years old.

Turning to the camera, he shouted: “46, is that it? I’m quite surprised about that because I think I look after myself, I get a decent amount of sleep, train really hard and I feel fit and healthier than I ever have in my life. I’m really fascinated that it’s only four years younger.”

Moving on to Cat, she admitted that taking the test was a ‘nightmare’ as she had to take the test twice. It was clear that Cat was expecting to also have a high age as she revealed: “I’m a terrible sleeper but I am healthy.”

Cat, 48, was left lost for words when she found out that she is in fact 15 years younger, with a result of 33-years-old.

A stunned Cat replied: “I could cry” as Ben jumped in and joked: “33! I want a recount.” Cat added: “I don’t know how I’ve done it because I certainly don’t sleep, which I know is one of the most important factors.”

This Morning continues on ITV1 from 10am every weekday and is available to stream back on ITVX.

This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary has reportedly landed a role away from ITV as a quiz show host alongside Sam Quek in a new Channel 5 programme

This Morning star Dermot O’Leary has reportedly landed a role as a presenter on a new Channel 5 sports-themed gameshow from the same creators as hit shows, Gladiators and The Wheel. The 52-year-old star is known for presenting the likes of The X Factor, This Morning, The One Show and more.

And now, he’ll try his hand as a quiz show host alongside Olympic hockey star Sam Quek. The Hungry Bear-produced show is an American football-themed programme that is said to still be in its early stages, with sources claiming Dermot and Sam have good chemistry for it.

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“The show is at pilot stage but Dermot and Sam have really good chemistry so everyone is excited about taking this to a full series at some point,” a source claimed to The Sun.

“Hungry Bear are the masters in this realm, and NFL is such a growth area.” The Mirror have reached out to Channel 5 for comment.

Meanwhile, Sam is known for her stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! where she reached the final four. She was also a guest panellist on sports panel game show Play to the Whistle and BBC’s A Question of Sport

She’s also bee the presenter on sports shows, such as The NFL Show, rugby union on Channel 5, field hockey on BY Sport and football for Channel 4. Most recently, she was a contestant on the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing/

It comes as Olivia Attwood has her eye on former X Factor star Dermot’s role on This Morning, expressing that she’d love to host alongside Alison Hammond on the show.

She is already a regular on the Loose Women panel and has been since 2023 but now Olivia is taking the plunge and moving on to her next venture.

Fans of This Morning will know, that Dermot host Friday episodes alongside Alison. In a recent interview with Closer magazine, Olivia spilled her excitement, saying how she couldn’t wait to present the show with the former Big Brother star.

Speaking about her new role, she told the publication: “Everyone’s been so welcoming.” She added: “The whole team’s been lovely, and I’m just excited to get stuck in and learn from people I really admire.”

When touching on who she’d love to present with the most, Olivia said: “If I ever get to host with Alison, I’m so sure we’d just laugh for two hours straight. Probably three.”

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1, from 10am.

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This Morning star Ashley James has recalled a scary incident where she suspects her drink was spiked, which left her blacking out and meant she woke with no memory of her night.

Ashley James has recalled a scary incident where she suspected her drink was spiked and ended up blacked out. Detailing the experience, the This Morning star told Mirror: “There have been many occasions where I’ve wondered if I’ve been spiked. But we blame ourselves and think, ‘Maybe I was just drunk.’”

“I remember visiting my brother at university for a night out years ago. I had a total blackout, woke up in my brother’s room and I’d been sick – everywhere,” she said. Ashley continued: “That was a disproportionate reaction to what I drank that evening and I have no memory of the evening itself. It was terrifying.”

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The mum-of-two added, “I was really young so I didn’t think about spiking or what I should do in that situation. Like so many others, I blamed myself or simply thought the drinks were stronger than I thought. Luckily, nothing worse has happened.”

In our exclusive chat, the DJ and presenter, 38, admitted she wants to better the world for her children; Alfie, four, and Ada, two, whose dad is partner Tommy Andrews – particularly after some of these terrifying experiences of her own.

“I’m outspoken, but the more you talk about things, the more you can fight for change. There are so many scary things out there, especially as a mother; the thought of my children experiencing things I have – whether it’s trolling or other issues – makes me nervous. The world’s a scary place now.”

On the topic of trolling, something celebrities are all too familiar with, she talks about her experiences on social media and gossip website, Tattle Life, which is now being shut down. The website allows users to post anonymously, but Ashley says the harassment she has encountered on it has made its way into her home life, too.

“People don’t realise that it’s not just gossiping and chatting, it’s much darker,” she says. “In my case, someone made a false allegation against me to social services, who came to my door. “I told them that, day or night, if they came to my door they’d only see loved children, so I wasn’t worried. But it does endanger people when their family is involved. It’s scary as it’s entering the real world.”

Ashley continues, “Social services are overstretched as it is, so there should be repercussions for wasting their time. Put bluntly, other children could die if social services’ attention is elsewhere because of these allegations. People need to be accountable. If they’re going to say it online, they should say it with their faces and names made public. They should be as accountable online as they are offline.”

Experiences like this have made Ashley ultra-aware when it comes to educating her children about the internet. “My son is amazing; he’s sweet, sensitive and kind and I never want the world to convince him that those aren’t worthy attributes for men. We definitely need more kind and compassionate boys and men in the world, so that’s what I want to teach him,” she says.

Earlier this year, Ashley took to social media after being told that Alfie may need extra help from the Special Educational Needs department when he begins school. Ashley says she’s trusting her gut.

“The school did a SEN report which didn’t specifically label him or say why he needs extra help, and to be honest, I don’t really mind. I think any parent would welcome extra support for their child. “My role as his mum is to guide him and to trust my instincts, to ensure that he can thrive in a school setting. So, I feel reassured.”

As we chat about creating a better world for her children, Ashley says she’s working with anti-spiking campaign CounterSpike and charity Spike Aware UK to get rid of drink spiking in the future.

Admitting she wants to get rid of the ‘victim blaming’ mentality, Ashley said: “We ask how much they’ve had to drink. Even as parents, especially with daughters, people find themselves saying, ‘You can’t go out like that.’ But you’re equating their outfit to their morals, or their safety.

“The problem – even if it’s well intended – is that it’s telling her that she’s responsible for bad things happening to her, rather than the person doing them,” says Ashley. That’s why she’s pleased that CounterSpike has developed SpikeStixx, which enables people to test their drinks. “It’s a way to reassure your mates they haven’t just drunk too much – to know for sure.

“More than anything, it will hopefully help stop people from doing it. Because, right now, statistics from CounterSpike show that 90% of spiking goes unreported.”

“One day, my son and daughter will be going out into this world without me. I would really like to think that things will improve, and they can do that without fear.”

Ashley is the official ambassador for the launch of CounterSpike’s campaign and its SpikeStixx, which are available to buy at counterspike.com

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Lorraine Kelly was away filming last month and it’s now been reported that she was working on a ‘big budget’ travel show for Channel 4 ahead of changes to her ITV talk show

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is said to have filmed a “big budget” project for Channel 4 recently. Ahead of changes to her long-running ITV talk show next year, it’s been teased that she’s considering other options that she could explore.

Lorraine, now 65, has fronted her eponymous show for more than a decade, with it having launched in 2010. It was however announced by ITV earlier this year that, from January next year, episodes will be reduced to 30 minutes. It was also revealed that the show will then only run for 30 weeks each year.

Following the news, last month, Lorraine shared that she was away and teased that she was having “big filming adventures” in Norway. She said in a video message on Instagram: “I’m in the land of the midnight sun. It’s absolutely glorious. It’s a project that I’ve wanted to do for years and years, and finally it’s actually happening. I’m heading really, really far north.”

It’s now been reported by the Sun that Lorraine flew to the country last month to work on a travel show for Channel 4, rather than ITV. A source told the outlet that the broadcaster was “delighted” to have signed up Lorraine for the project.

The source said it was “exciting” for her to do “something different” and to be back on location somewhere. They teased that amid the shake-up at ITV daytime shows, her “loyal” fans will support Lorraine “wherever she goes”.

They said: “Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. She’s survived in this business a long time, and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”

It’s also been reported by the outlet that the production role Head of Lorraine is being axed at ITV. It’s claimed that her two producers are set to instead report to bosses on This Morning.

The source said that it casts doubt on the future of the talk show and claimed that her current contract finishes next year. The source teased: “She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”

ITV said in a statement: “We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team. These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff. We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen.”

Although best known for her work on ITV, Lorraine has appeared on other channels over the years too. It includes her having been on Channel 4’s the Last Leg on several occasions and she mentioned the show on a podcast recently.

She teased last month that she’s able to be “a bit naughty” on shows away from ITV’s Lorraine. As reported at the time, she said to Tom Kerridge on the Proper Tasty podcast: “40 years in TV last year was incredible. I got a BAFTA. ‘Here’s a BAFTA for being alive.’ I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, I’m not done yet’.

“I think now I can be a lot cheekier. Because I’ve always been a bit naughty. Not so much in the morning, but if I do a wee show on Channel 4, or The Last Leg, or something like that.”

She teased: “You can be unleashed. And I quite like that. You do have to have a self-edit button and I’m finding mine is not operating as much as it should.”

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