The rumours were true: Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford sidelined as main ‘This Morning’ hosts

The husband-and-wife duo have been on the show since 2006, and are its main presenters on Fridays (with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield the main presenters at other times).

In the last hour, ITV has announced that Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammon – who have enjoyed less-prominent presenting roles with the show – are set to “become regular hosts”.

They will host This Morning “on Fridays, from January 8, 2021, whilst Eamonn and Ruth will continue to host the show during key holidays.”

Belfast TV stalwart Mr Holmes has broken his silence on the long-mooted move today.

He 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.”

In July ITV had unveiled what it called a “Diversity Acceleration Plan”.

This was “to accelerate change in diversity and inclusion on screen and across ITV by creating more opportunities for those from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and other underrepresented groups”.

It would “ensure ITV better represents contemporary British life on screen within the next 12 months”.

Among other things, it entailed “mandatory race and inclusion training for all staff and on-screen presenters and commentators”.

However, ITV’s “Diversity Acceleration Plan” appears to be somewhat undermined by the company’s own figures.

According to ITV “currently around 22% of those seen on ITV come from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background”.

The network has also said that “within ITV 12.5% of our people identify as having a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background”.

According to the 2011 government census (the most recent one), “87% of people in the UK are White, and 13% belong to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group”.

ITV was asked if the ages of Mr Holmes and Ms Langsford – both 60 – was a factor in any decision-making (their mooted replacements are both in their mid-40s).

It was also asked whether ITV’s July diversity pledge were a factor (Alison is a black Birmingham-born presenter).

Lastly, it was asked about the contrast between its figures which suggest a current over-represenatation of ethnic minority individuals on-screen, and its pledge to “accelerate inclusion”.

It said: “We have nothing further to add at this stage.”

Alison Hammond said in a statement today: “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 Dermot 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.”

And managing director of ITV Daytime, Emma Gormley, said: “We are delighted that Alison and Dermot will be joining the main presenting family on This Morning.

“Alison has provided some of the most memorable moments on the show in recent times and teamed up with the brilliant Dermot we think they are a great pairing in addition to our fabulous presenting line up of Holly & Phil and Eamonn & Ruth.”

Click here: Petition begins to ‘bring back Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’ as ITV does not deny axing them

Click here: Rumours of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford sacking greeted by silence – except for show spokesman saying they have ‘stellar line up’

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