This Morning's Alison Hammond stops show to hail co-star following absence

Alison Hammond couldn't contain her joy as she reunited with her This Morning co-host Dermot O'Leary, even pausing the show to express her delight.

The dynamic ITV duo had a short separation this week when Dermot, aged 51, took a brief two-day respite from their shared duties. In his stead, Joel Dommett, famed for The Masked Singer UK, stepped in to keep the show on track.

Although Dermot returned to the set for Wednesday's episode (July 24), Alison didn't miss the chance to shower her colleague with affection, halting Thursday's programme to say: "I really love it when you're here."

Caught off-guard by the heartfelt moment, the usually eloquent X Factor veteran found himself at a loss for words, visibly touched by the sentiment.

In another segment of the show, Alison, who is 49, announced her own upcoming hiatus as she prepares for a summer getaway. At the start of Thursday's show (July 25), alongside Dermot, she broke the news of her impending departure, reports the Mirror.

Dermot informed the audience that the following day would mark a temporary end to their partnership, prompting Alison to chime in: "I know, I know, my last day. I'm going on holiday bubs, it's time! ".

The beloved Birmingham lass humorously declared: "Alison needs a break", while Dermot echoed the sentiment, saying: "We all need a break." Alison then jested: "Even YOU need a break from me."

Later, the conversation shifted to the topic of packing for holidays. Alison Hammond, the beloved television personality, made a cheeky confession on air, boasting: "I'm an excellent packer, I've already packed for my holiday and it's a week away."

This came as her colleague admitted that his wife takes care of all his packing needs. The former Big Brother star has certainly earned her upcoming holiday after stepping in to cover for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who were both absent throughout the week.

Alison's stint as the main host of the ITV favourite has not gone unnoticed by viewers, with many taking to social media to comment on her imminent break.

On X, previously known as Twitter, one user questioned: "Is Alison leaving for good ? ? ? ? ", while another posted enthusiastically: "It's Alison's last day on #ThisMorning before she goes on a break!"

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10am.