‘The only person who can save ITV morning television’: Fans call for Hannah Waddingham to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning – after enjoying Prince William’s Earthshot Prize
From starring in two Christmas adverts to stunning on the green carpet at the Earthshot Prize in Singapore yesterday, Hannah Waddingham has been ubiquitous this past week.
But for fans of the Ted Lasso star, 49, it’s still not enough. Instead, she is sought after on television screens across Britain every day, with many clamoring for her to be the new presenter of ITV’s This Morning.
In the latest sign that the actress is fast becoming the nation’s darling after a decades-long rise to the top, fans claim the mother-of-one is the only person fit to fill the void left by the departure of Holly Willoughby.
And they even had a sneak peek at what This Morning with Hannah would be like in March, when she got to give a presentation while appearing to discuss Ted Lasso.
The Ted Lasso star proved she has star quality with her glamorous look at the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Singapore yesterday
Fans of Hannah Waddingham, 49, are calling for her to take over from Holly Willoughby as presenter of This Morning – and in March she even got some exercise
In October, Holly Willoughby (pictured) announced her departure from the breakfast show after 14 years of service. According to reports, ITV bosses have since been looking for a replacement
For many, Waddingham ticks all the boxes; she oozes glamour, as demonstrated at yesterday’s Earthshot ceremony, where she stunned in a glitzy velvet ball gown.
And her other big performance this year – the Eurovision Song Contest – proved she has the level of charm, wit and lively humor needed to entertain the masses.
In October, Holly Willoughby announced her departure from the breakfast show after 14 years of service.
She announced her resignation on Instagram, saying it was an “honor to just be a part of her story.”
According to reports, ITV bosses have since been eyeing potential presenters who could take her place on the morning show.
Fans have called for Hannah Waddingham to become the new presenter of ITV’s This Morning following the departure of Holly Willoughby. Pictured above is Hannah hosting the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year
But bosses need look no further than social media for who the people want: Hannah Waddingham.
Hannah gave breakfast TV fans a taste when she joined Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on the show in March this year to discuss her role as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso.
The 49-year-old surprised fans when Alison suggested to Dermot: ‘Maybe we should let her practice the show.’
A floor manager fitted Hannah with an earpiece and she was a natural when she introduced the cooking part
Fast forward months later, and fans want it to become a reality.
Via X, formally known as Twitter, fans have called for Hannah to take the top spot on ITV’s This Morning. One said: ‘The only person who can save ITV morning television in Hannah Waddingham.’
Similarly, a second agreed: ‘Hannah Waddingham is ICONIC. Get her featured as the lead NOW @thismorning @ITV @ITVX.”
A third wrote: Hannah Waddingham is fantastic, be brilliant if she gets a regular spot on This Morning #ThisMorning.’
Another added: “So never watched this morning but if Hannah Waddingham and Alison Hammond were presenting I would watch it!”
A fifth went further, saying: ‘Hannah Waddingham should host Strictly, This Morning, and Lorraine x.’
Another added: ‘This is the perfect opportunity for #ThisMorning’s new presenters to be Hannah Waddingham and Alison Hammond. Definitely DREAM TEAM. @ITV MAKE IT HAPPEN.’
A seventh wrote: Give Hannah Waddingham the This Morning gig, she can handle it, there may be a few vacancies after all.’
Social media users took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their hopes for ITV’s future – and many want Waddingham to be part of it
Another wrote: Petition for Hannah Waddingham and Alison Hammond to present This Morning.’
It comes after the West End legend was named the new Queen of Christmas, thanks to her appearance in two festive adverts.
And if that’s not enough, she has her own Christmas musical special on Apple TV+ later this month.
Audiences have been enamored with Waddingham’s festive performances of late, with one fan joking: ‘Hannah Waddingham is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.’
Green glamour! Hannah Waddingham walks with the Prince of Wales as he arrives for the 2023 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony at The Theater at Mediacorp, Singapore on Tuesday
For the 49-year-old London-born actress, the face of this year’s festive M&S advert (pictured) is fast becoming a national treasure: recognisable, down-to-earth and quintessentially British.
She is also the face of drinks company Baileys’ festive advert and will star alongside Tom Cruise in the latest Mission: Impossible film next summer
While another said: ‘I want Hannah Waddingham in every Christmas advert.’
And it seems Hannah, who has also had roles in Sex Education and Game of Thrones, has always loved the holidays.
Speaking about her Bailey’s advert, the 48-year-old said: ‘Christmas is my favorite part of the year; a time to gather with my friends and family and enjoy our own festive traditions.
‘From a night out with friends to those much-needed conversations with family around the kitchen table, from impromptu cocktails to cozy evenings by the fire: it’s a time to break the routine and enjoy all the festive fun… Who better to to collaborate with at Christmas than the most festive treat for adults – Baileys!’
Her festive appearances don’t start and end with Baileys or Marks and Spencer’s, as the Ted Lasso actress is about to release her own festive musical special.
Her Christmas extravaganza with Apple TV+, titled ‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas’, will host a series of special guests and hit screens on November 22.