GB News: Stephen Dixon steps in for co-star
GB News underwent a presenter shake-up as Stephen Dixon was forced to step in at the last minute. With Eamonn Holmes on annual leave, Ellie Costello was due to host Wednesday's instalment (August 21) of the programme alongside Isabel Webster.
However, the presenter begged Stephen, 50, to fill in for her after she secured tickets to see Taylor Swift on Tuesday evening (August 20). Stephen's surprising presence was addressed at the beginning of the show, with Isabel praising him for making it in on such short notice.
"It's nice to see you. Well done for stepping into Ellie's shoes," the 41-year-old quipped. Sports correspondent Paul Coyte exclaimed: "What are you doing here?"
Explaining why he was in the studio, Stephen told his co-stars and viewers: "As you know, Ellie Costello was desperate to go and see Taylor Swift."
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The pop star finished the European leg of her Eras Tour with a record-breaking show at Wembley Stadium last night, which Ellie was lucky enough to witness.
Stephen admitted he received a "begging message" from his co-star, before Isabel revealed Ellie sent the messages whilst on air on Tuesday.
The presenter recalled: "We were on air and she was messaging Stephen saying, 'Stephen hasn't woken up yet. He still hasn't replied'. But then the message came through."
Stepehn added: "I will tell you she sent me a message at half past midnight saying, 'I've just got back' and she was eating chips in her kitchen, so she had a good time."
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Stephen made his social media followers aware of the change on Tuesday evening, writing on X: "Unexpectedly heading to work in the morning (so Ellie can see @taylorswift13) join me from 0600 if you can!"
It was clear everyone on the GB News team was aware of Ellie's excitement at bagging the tickets as broadcaster Dawn Neesom commented: "She was VERY excited."
Fi Button posted: "She was so hoping to go! You're a fantastic friend Stephen, see you in the morning! Hope your in-laws are OK with it haha!" Isabel is normally joined by Eamonn Holmes on GB News' Breakfast Show, however, the Northern Irish broadcaster is currently on annual leave.
Responding to comments about his absence, the 64-year-old assured fans that he would be back in his usual spot next week. Isabel has had a different co-host so far this week as Nana Akua stepped in for Eamonn on Monday, while Isabel teamed up with Ellie on Tuesday.
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