ALISON HAMMOND AND DERMOT O’LEARY DISCUSS THEIR NEW PARTNERSHIP AS THEY APPROACH SIX MONTHS TOGETHER ON ITV’S THIS MORNING

If any information is used, please credit: This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and on ITV Hub

• Alison and Dermot will host half term week from Monday 31st May - Friday 4th June, before returning to host Fridays on This Morning

• How have your first few months hosting together been? What have you enjoyed the most so far?

Alison: “It’s been an absolute dream. I’ve loved every minute of it to be honest! I think the best thing really is getting to know Dermot. We had obviously met before and had seen each other over the past twenty years, but we didn’t really know each other. He always shows me pictures and videos of his baby and his cats, so I’m finding out so much more about him and his wonderful family. He’s just a really cool person.” Dermot: “Getting to know the lovely Alison even more! That might sound silly because people assume that when two people get a job together that they know each other really really well, and we didn’t. I mean, we knew each other and we have always got on very well but we didn’t know each other, so our chemistry has had to grow and adapt on air.

“You know when you just click with someone? She really is just wonderful to work with, it’s been great and for me, the shows are about informing, entertaining and having fun, and the Fridays in particular are about gearing up to the weekend - enjoying your Friday and easing yourself into the weekend - and I think we provide that mix brilliantly together.”

• Why do you think you were paired together?

D: “We’re not too dissimilar. Neither of us are the most serious in the room, but we have a long standing friendship and it’s lovely to be paired with someone that I don’t know intrinsically but I’m getting to know more as we go along. Will there be wild nights out in future? Yes! She’s promised to take me to Birmingham.”

• Your initials are A&D - do Ant and Dec have anything to worry about?!

A: “[Laughs] Well, there’s definitely one taller and one shorter but I think that might be where the similarities end! We’re more like Laurel and Hardy! [Laughs]”

D: [Laughs] “I imagine Ant and Dec are sleeping quite soundly! Do we stand in a certain order? That’s a good question as it all depends on the ear piece for me as you need to stand with your other ear next to them. So I normally go on the right as my ear piece is on the right, and I need to be able to hear what Alison’s saying!”

• What have you learnt about one another during this time?

A: “I’ve learnt that Dermot is very patient, very kind and very very generous. I feel really protective over him already… we’ve definitely got each other's back and it’s like a great brother-sister relationship. I’ve always admired him. He was the second person to interview me after Davina when I came out of Big Brother all those years ago on Big Brother’s Little Brother. And what’s funny is, I remember him saying to me at the time back in 2002 that I should go into kids television. He said, ‘You’d be a great children’s TV presenter’ and he remembers that too. But it’s great, it’s like going full circle with us coming back together again like this. He was there at the beginning of my career and now we’re together again for this next adventure. “But what has been hard with lockdown is not being able to sit next to each other and be tactile, so to become a new team like this during a pandemic has been hard in that way. We haven’t been to each other's houses yet - but that is to come soon I’m sure! Dermot has already told me that as soon as this is all over, I’m invited to his house to meet his son and he said that he’s going to cook for me… I can’t wait, that will be amazing!” D: “Alison is brilliant at her job. We get really comprehensive briefs for the show and I can be a rambler; my questions can last forever - that’s just the way I am - and one of the things she does really well is take all that information and asks what might seem like a simple question, but they are always really to the point. When you work with someone on live television you can’t be afraid about going off script and having fun, and she is one of the best for that! So that unpredictability I love about her… there’s a lot of trust there and the friendship has blossomed, and we just really really enjoy working together.” “When we first met via Big Brother, it was such an innocent time and before social media. Everyone turned up as the best version of themselves - there was never a sense of ‘I’ve got this amount of followers’ - the contestants didn’t have any kind of fame. You did well in the house by being yourself and Alison was always one hundred percent herself. And it’s easy to say now that she was always destined to do this but there’s a world of difference from just being yourself on television in a reality show and being able to host a show, and there aren't that many people that can do that. Alison’s one, Rylan’s one… You can count them on one hand really. I remember saying to Rylan when he was on The X Factor - similar to what I told Alison at the time actually - that he had a career in hosting because he’s quick enough and can do live… it definitely takes a certain skill set and Rylan has that and Alison definitely has that.”

• How does it feel to have been received so well by the This Morning viewers? Does it ever feel like work?

A: “We do have the best time and it is a lot of fun, but it's also hard work as well! We had to take time to find our feet, but now that we know more about each other and how we like to work, what topics we are passionate about… that makes it even easier. We’ve just had to work all that out live on TV really, but I love it if people are enjoying the show. Although my main critic is my son and he texted me recently saying, ‘Mum, I love you and Dermot, today’s show was brilliant’ and when I get a message like that from him, I’m happy. “Dermot and I do bring Friday lols! [Laughs] But we can deliver our more serious side too when it's needed. I think maybe I’m the heart and Dermot is the soul of the show on Fridays... and I do feel like there will always be a dash of Friday fun sprinkled on top!” D: “If you are doing a good show and working hard and you’re enjoying it and feel like you’re doing the items justice and the crew on the floor are enjoying it, then the chances are the show is working. I just haven’t worried myself about the ratings or any external pressures really. You know whether you’re having a good show or not, so I try not to worry about anything else… I’m just concentrating on settling in! Also with co-presenting it's all about giving and taking, playing off each other's strengths and listening to each other. “It’s a great fun job, but in terms of prep work, you get your brief late on a Thursday - and I play football on Thursdays and I thought I would have to give it up - but actually, I’ve worked out that I can get there, eat and shower quickly after and then I’ll sit down about 9pm and do about an hour prep and still get a good night's sleep before the show… so I’ve sorted a good routine.

“But I still can’t quite believe - both of us actually feel this way - that some of the world’s best chefs come in and cook us lunch every Friday - what a perk! The food part of the show never feels like work!”

• Alison, did you ever think when you first joined This Morning back in 2002 that you would one day be hosting the show?

A: “I never dreamt that when I first joined the show I would be there for more than a couple of months, but 19 years later and now this! I’m so thrilled. It feels like my mum is still looking out for me in a strange way...”

• And how does it feel to have been a part of the This Morning family for so long?

A: “In all honesty, it’s a really nice feeling and even though it’s been almost two decades, it feels like it’s gone by in a blink of an eye. I genuinely care about the show and the viewers who watch, so I’m just really excited to be doing even more of what I love.”

• Dermot, you were no stranger to the This Morning sofa - but how does it feel to now be a part of the This Morning family? Have they welcomed you with socially-distanced arms?!

D: “It’s quite humbling really because when I was just guest hosting it kind of felt like the naughty kids had taken over the common room - and don’t get me wrong - This Morning is a really, really hard show to present, you’ve got to be on point and there are so many things you need to do and to be across. I remember the first two shows that I did, I stayed up really late trying to be as briefed as I could be and when you’re there presenting it’s just so enjoyable that it goes past in a blink of an eye! I am in awe of Holly, Phil, Ruth and Eamonn for doing it as long as they have. Of course it gets easier the more you do it, like any job, but I definitely feel a responsibility because it’s such a well-loved and cherished show, from both the people that work on it and the people that watch it.

“It reminds me of radio actually because there’s a real element of keeping people company and being there for people, especially now and the time we’re living in. But I do feel like a full member of the team and part of the family now!”

• Alison, you sadly lost both of your parents last year and many will know that you were particularly close with your mother - what do you think she would have made of you hosting?

A: “She would have been over the moon! This Morning was always a staple in our family home growing up, it was just one of those shows that was always on in the house. But when I was watching Richard and Judy back then I never thought that I’d ever be one of the hosts!

“It’s so bittersweet to know that this has happened and she’s not here to see it. Having said that, I do still feel her presence. I do think she is still guiding me and she’s helping with all these good things that are happening, I do believe that. She loved my showbiz world! She used to love coming along with me to certain events and meeting celebrities, she was always in her element doing that. She really did love everything about This Morning.

“When I was younger she’d be the one getting out all the old video tapes showing everyone! My poor family and friends that came to visit were made to watch them again and again. She was totally my number one fan and was always mega proud of me. In a way I’m living my mum’s dream!”

• Alison, what does your son Aidan think of your new Friday role?

A: “When I was first asked about hosting I went home and I spoke to Aidan, and he said, ‘Mum, you can do it, I know you can, I believe in ya’ and he just had this big speech for me including things like, ‘Mum, you’ve gotta do it, Nanny would want you to do it.’ It was so lovely, I think he is proud of me.”

• Dermot, what do your family think of your new role?

D: “They are over the moon! I mentioned last summer how much I was enjoying doing a few guest hosting shows so when I was offered to do this, they were really happy for me.”

• Dermot, you became a dad [to son Kasper] last year so did you get to watch more daytime TV? And has this new experience changed you in any way?

D: “Well it was always on in the background, but Kasper is a handful - he’s a pretty good sleeper - but you can't really sit around watching too much telly with him that’s for sure! When you become a parent I think you do view the world slightly differently, and I’m not sure it's even consciously. Although I hate the idea that only parents can have empathy because I don’t think that’s true. People for the most part are empathetic but yes, I guess becoming a parent can’t help but change you. I cry at a lot more TV ads now, for example! I remember over the festive period when I saw the animated McDonalds advert - the one with the mother and her son who pretended to be cool and not into Christmas - but then there’s a really lovely moment at the end... I was in bits!”

• Do you still get nervous doing live TV? Any superstitious rituals before you go on air?

D: “Yeah, I do still get nervous a little bit because I’m nervous when I’m not prepared and it’s quite impossible to prepare for a show like This Morning! But I’ve learnt quickly that I had to surrender to that… as long as you know where you’re going, you read your briefing pack, you treat each item at a time and give that item your full attention then you’ll be okay. But yes, I still get butterflies! Although everything happens so quickly in the morning and before you know it you’re on air, so there’s definitely no time for any superstitious rituals!”

• Do you have any special requests or backstage demands?

A: “[Laughs] Yeah! I wanted my dressing room purple, I want candles, I want little white poodles everywhere…. No, I’ve had no special requests. I’m quite easily pleased!”

D: “Well, God bless the wonderful runners at This Morning as they know exactly what I like already! I’m partial to a good filtered coffee and I can only have peanut butter when I leave the house because my wife [Dee] is allergic to nuts, so when I arrive I have peanut butter on toast, a banana, orange juice and a good cup of coffee so I’m very happy with that! And I don’t want any form of food taken away from me in that studio kitchen… that’s usually my lunch.”

• What's your all-time favourite This Morning memory or moment?

A: “Gosh, there are so many! I think when we all went back to the Albert Dock in Liverpool for the 25th anniversary of the show and had a big party in London, that was pretty special. It was my first time going to Liverpool and after watching it for all those years it was amazing to go there and celebrate. Just listening to Richard and Judy about what it was like then was great. It was a bit like a dream! “Other fun moments have included my chat with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, that went a bit crazy on social media, and I love dressing up for our Halloween shows, that’s always fun. I really loved being the Lion when we changed the whole set into the ‘Wizard of Oz’. . I just love everything I do there - going to the award ceremonies are always amazing... there’s far too many stand out moments for me.” D: “I have always been a fan. I remember guest-hosting a week with Holly years ago and I remember enjoying it so much back then. This Morning is just like the fabric of the country really, isn’t it? One of my all time favourite moments, in all honesty, was actually when Alison interviewed Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. That is genuinely up there as one of the greatest moments of telly. When you’re feeling blue and you need something to just pick you up, it's just one of the most feel-good five minutes you’ll get!”

• Alison, many fans of This Morning label you a ‘This Morning legend’ or ‘a national treasure’ and The Huffington Post released a list of their top ten things to do to boost your mood during lockdown, and listening to your laugh was at number two - how does that make you feel?

A: “Well, I do tend to agree with them! I just agree with everything they say - they are so right! [Laughs] Seriously, when someone first said that, I was a bit like, ‘Woah, that’s a bit mad isn't it?’ But all I ever try to do is just enjoy each day and enjoy life. But I do feel the love from the viewers, I do get a lot of lovely messages.”

• And according to a recent survey, it has also been said that watching you increases viewers’ happiness by 250% and you topped the poll, beating fellow presenters Phil & Holly…

A: “Ha! Do I get an award? [laughs] Isn’t that a lovely thing though… I always said if I can make people smile, I feel like I’ve done my job, so I’m actually quite proud of that. If you can look at me and smile then I’m happy - that’s a nice feeling. During the year we’ve all had, we all just want a bit of joy and happiness in our lives don’t we and if I can give a bit of that, brilliant!”

• A-list celebrities often ask to have you do their interview - how does that make you feel?

A: “It is a very weird feeling to know such big stars ask for you! I guess I make them feel safe and I’m rooting for them more than anything else, I’m so flattered that they ask for me. It’s a lovely feeling.

“But because of Covid I am missing meeting lots of them face to face at the moment. Although the team and I are still having fun trying to make the video calls as interesting as possible. I loved having virtual tea with Julie Andrews, a virtual birthday party with Justin Timberlake, seeing Ryan Reynolds again and of course doing the dance sequence with Kylie! It’s always great when the stars play along.

“I’m just doing what I can with them during this situation we are all facing... but that’s not to say I’m really looking forward to pouncing on the celebrities again when we are allowed! [Laughs]”

• Dermot, viewers know that you can front TV shows, radio shows, you can write books… is there anything you can’t do?!

D: “I’m not the greatest multitasker in the world and my wife says I don’t take a very good picture, which annoys me! But there are loads of things I can’t do… actually what you’ve listed above is all that I can do... and cook an omelette!”

• Did lockdown and it’s restrictions change you in any way?

A: “I started riding my bike a little bit more, I could never really find the time before… so that’s been good. And actually, this might sound odd, but I’m enjoying cleaning my house more now too! I get really into it. But the main thing I guess that has been great is spending more time with my son and catching up with friends. I love phoning up my friends and having a conversation and seeing how they are, so I really hope that continues too.” D: “I think it’s more of an overall feeling - and I think a lot of people feel the same - I definitely felt like I was chasing my tail a little bit [before] and although I was very busy during lockdown, you just realise there aren’t enough hours in the day if you want to do everything! So it’s been great to do some prioritising, and I know it sounds cliche but I’ve learnt to make time to do what I want to do, and I think you then appreciate your work even more. By just giving yourself a little bit of light and shade, and I think post lockdown I would like to keep that going and keep that good balance.”

• Once lockdown restrictions end, what are you most looking forward to doing?

A: “I know I don’t look like a gym bunny, but I’ve really missed going to the gym and working out with my personal trainer. For my mental health, I really enjoyed going and that routine… so I’m pleased to be starting that up again. I enjoy doing weight training and I get a buzz from doing it. I’d also like to go to a music festival too, maybe Glastonbury next year? To see live music again would be great. We had the singer Gabrielle on the show outside and that was a little taster - I felt like I was at a concert! I wanted her to carry on singing, I was singing and dancing along and almost forgot I was on the telly!” D: “Well I haven’t seen my parents for a long time because my mum and dad are in Ireland so I don’t know when I’ll see them, and my wife’s family are in Norway - so definitely getting over to see family because they haven’t really seen our baby that much, they’ve only seen him once. So definitely getting out of town and doing some traveling… and seeing live music and theatre. I’ve missed it and can’t wait [for that to be back]. “But actually, I think London’s been great during lockdown because you do appreciate it’s great parks and big open spaces and given that nine million people live here, I think London’s coped really well with people being civil and respectful to each other for the most part.”

If any information is used, please credit: This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and on ITV Hub

Editor notes:

• Alison and Dermot will host half term week from Monday 31st May - Friday 4th June, and then return to host Fridays on This Morning • This Morning is currently seeing it's best ratings in 19 years - over 10 million viewers tuned in during the first week of lockdown alone • So far for 2021 (Jan-April) This Morning is averaging 1.25m viewers with a 22.3% share of viewing. Up +6% in volume vs. 2020 • The This Morning App has surpassed 2 million downloads and the YouTube channel now has more than 2 million subscribers