Friday’s edition of This Morning kicked off with plenty of sparkle, but no one quite expected the opening moments to veer into cheeky territory.
The ITV daytime show welcomed a fresh face to the sofa, and within minutes, viewers at home were already scrambling to social media in disbelief.
A New Co-Host Joins Dermot O’Leary
Dermot O’Leary has been sharing hosting duties with a rotating cast this week after Emma Willis was forced to step back at the last minute due to illness.
Earlier in the week, he appeared alongside familiar faces like Josie Gibson and Christine Lampard.
But Friday marked a first, as Your Home Made Perfect presenter Angela Scanlon made her debut on the show.
A Debut Introduction That Left Viewers Stunned
Angela, 41, was warmly introduced by Dermot at the top of the show, with the pair exchanging a hug and joking about her first-ever appearance on This Morning.
That lighthearted energy quickly escalated when Angela described her debut using a phrase that caught everyone off guard.
As Dermot proudly announced her arrival, Angela beamed and said she was thrilled to be “popping my This Morning cherry” with him.
Laughter erupted from the crew, while Dermot hurriedly clarified the comment with a grin, joking that it was “just the This Morning cherry.”
Social Media Reacts to the Cheeky Moment
It didn’t take long for viewers to flock to X, formerly Twitter, to share their reactions.
Some were amused, others slightly stunned.
One viewer asked outright whether they’d heard her correctly, while another jokingly declared themselves “old fashioned.”
A few eagle-eyed fans also noticed Gyles Brandreth appearing less than impressed by the unexpected euphemism.
Another On-Air Shock Earlier in the Week
Angela’s remark wasn’t the only moment that had viewers talking this week.
Just days earlier, Dermot raised eyebrows when he leaned over and bit co-host Christine Lampard on the shoulder during a live broadcast.
The playful moment unfolded while the pair were teasing upcoming segments, including festive shopping ideas.
As the camera returned to them from a display of Christmas gifts, Dermot suddenly chomped down, prompting Christine to laugh it off and call out the stress of the season.
The moment was quickly folded into the segment when a stress ball was introduced, with both presenters leaning into the joke.
Emma Willis’ Sudden Absence Explained
The shake-up in presenters began on Monday when Emma Willis was unable to appear just hours before she was due on air.
Dermot and Josie Gibson explained live that Emma was feeling unwell and sent her well wishes from the studio.
While details of her illness weren’t shared, fans were left disappointed by her absence.
Fans Still Rooting for Emma’s Return
Emma’s popularity on This Morning has been building for some time.
Viewers previously praised her chemistry with Rylan Clark during a festive stint in 2023, and bookmakers even tipped her as a potential long-term replacement following Holly Willoughby’s departure.
At one point, Emma emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite, with Ladbrokes placing strong odds on her landing the role permanently.
Other familiar names, including Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, and Rochelle Humes, have also featured in the betting conversation.
A Health Battle Behind the Scenes
Earlier this year, Emma revealed she had undergone heart surgery after discovering she was born with a hole in her heart.
The procedure, carried out at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, involved keyhole surgery rather than traditional open-heart surgery, allowing for a smoother recovery.
Even so, the experience required significant adjustment.
What Comes Next for the Show?
With rotating hosts, unexpected on-air moments, and viewers watching closely, This Morning continues to keep audiences guessing.
One thing is certain: whether it’s cheeky comments or playful chaos, the ITV staple still knows how to get people talking.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
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