This Morning’s Christmas party kicks off at James Blunt’s posh pub – but one star is notably absent

The ITV show’s team gathered at James Blunt-owned gastropub The Fox and Pheasant for a cosy celebration in a secluded part of west London – but one star was clearly missing

This Morning’s Christmas party kicked off on Monday

Boozy, raucous festive songs were not on the menu for This Morning’s Christmas party as it quietly kicked off in a posh Chelsea pub on Monday evening.

The ITV show’s team gathered at James Blunt-owned gastropub The Fox and Pheasant for a cosy celebration in a secluded part of west London. There appeared to be an air of sombreness as the evening also marked editor Martin Frizell’s final Christmas with the team before his departure.

Among those pictured trudging to the venue for the three-course festive treat of smoked salmon, turkey and Christmas pudding were hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. The pair – who were announced as Holly and Phil’s official replacements in February – made their way separately to the pub as they wrapped up warm in wool coats.

Ben, 49, appeared tired as he donned a pair of rectangular glasses and white jeans. While Cat, 48, appeared relaxed in a pair of baggy denim jeans and silk scoop-neck top as she cradled a black bag in the crook of her arm.

Ben Shephard appeared tired as he made his way to the bash ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Alison Hammond, 49, also made sure to wrap up warm in an ankle-length puffer jacket and appeared to be in good spirits as she hugged her co-star on the way inside. Her Friday co-star Dermot O’Leary, 51, made his way to the bash alongside regular show guest Ashley James, who glittered in a purple sequined gown.

Josie Gibson, 39, appeared to have enjoyed a spot of shopping before the party as she swung a Selfridges bag by her side. Her busy schedule was clear to see as she dragged a suitcase along the pavement on the way to the do.

Dermot O’Leary pictured with Ashley James ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

This Morning editor Martin Frizell will be leaving the ITV show ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
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Also in attendance were Vanessa Feltz, Alice Beer and Phil Vickery, but there was one glaring absence – Gino D’Acampo.At the weekend, the Italian chef was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman over five years. The unnamed woman lodged a complaint with ITV bosses last week. She reportedly worked with D’Acampo between 2006 and 2011.

Alison Hammond appeared to be in good spirits ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

The This Morning team gathered at James Blunt’s pub ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

It is understood the woman decided to speak out amid a raft of allegations against the BBC’s MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace came to light. It comes after reports that Gino, 48, is being slowly sidelined by ITV amid a string of claims about inappropriate behaviour.He has been edged out of Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after refusing to sign a morality contract clause. Gino has also been put on a language and behavioural course by concerned executives.

Josie Gibson appeared as busy as ever ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Phil Vickery also attended the party ( 
Image:
Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
A source close to the latest complainant said: “She worked [with Gino] for five years. She has come forward after being spurred on by the Gregg Wallace scandal and the comment he made about his accusers being middle-class women of a certain age,” a source told The Sun newspaper

An ITV source said: “We can’t really comment on anything specific as we have duty of care to any complainant that comes forward”. The Mirror has contacted D’Acampo’s people for comment.