This Morning host Alison Hammond presented alongside co-host Dermot O’Leary on Friday and made an announcement to viewers

Alison Hammond is taking a break from hosting ITV’s This Morning as she takes on another role. The popular presenter made the announcement at the end of Friday’s show.

Alison was hosting alongside Dermot O’Leary and as they drew the programme to a close Dermot told viewers that Alison was “off to panto!” as she replied: “See you in January. Happy Christmas.”

And then turning to Dermot she said: “I love you!” and gave him a big hug as the credits rolled. Alison is going to be appearing in panto in her home city when she stars alongside Danny Mac in Peter Pan at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

While Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard usually host the show from Monday to Thursday it appears they are now on their Christmas break as Dermot also shared that he’ll be back on screen on Monday, December 16 and alongside him will be Josie Gibson, who’s been missing from the sofa for some time.

Alison Hammond has announced a break from This Morning ( 
Image:
ITV)

Dermot said: “Monday I’ll be back with Josie and we’ll be going behind the scenes on the new Wallace and Grommit.”

It comes after viewers of This Morning were left questioning why Josie was “missing” from the This Morning presenting line up in recent months.

But it seems that other work commitments have been keeping her away from the ITV sofa. In a conversation with the Express last September, Josie revealed she’d be away from the programme for a stint due to an independent venture on Channel 5, where she will immerse in the high life of luxury travel.

Josie Gibson is making a return to This Morning ( 
Image:
ITV)

She reassured that despite this temporary break, there’s substantial work ahead, and asserted her continued bond with This Morning.

Josie expressed her gratitude to This Morning, saying: “I’m very grateful for This Morning and everything they’ve helped me with because they grew me as a presenter.”