Eamonn Holmes sent his well-wishes to Alison Hammond as he took her place on the This Morning couch after she was struck by a mystery illness.
Alison was due to appear alongside Rochelle Humes on Monday’s show, while Vernon Kaye was due to appear with Rochelle on Tuesday’s show.
It has since been announced that Vernon had tested positive for coronavirus and Alison was unwell – so would not be making their respective planned appearances.
Speaking on the show, the Northern Irish star said: ‘It was supposed to be Alison and Rochelle today, but Alison’s not well, so get well soon. And just when you thought you got rid of me after seven weeks, like a bad penny, I turn up again.’
Stricken: Eamonn Holmes sent his well-wishes to Alison Hammond as he took her place on the This Morning couch after she has been struck by a mystery illness (Alison pictured in June)
On Sunday, Eamonn announced he would also act as a stand-in replacement for Vernon after the presenter tested positive for Covid. Vernon, 47, was set to front the popular morning show alongside Rochelle this week.
Rochelle was due to present with Alison on Bank Holiday Monday and was supposed to be joined by Vernon from Tuesday. The Sun further reported that Rochelle, 32, had told of her excitement at welcoming Vernon to This Morning.
TV bosses were ‘left scrambling’ to find a replacement as Alison was also off from sickness, although her illness was not specified.
Saving the day, Eamonn Tweeted on Sunday: ‘But just when u thought you’d got rid of me …. sickness with @AlisonHammond and @vernonkay means I’m off the bench .Get well soon to them but I have my Boots on and I’m ready to play…
‘I’m off the bench!’: Speaking on the show, the Northern Irish star said: ‘It was supposed to be Alison and Rochelle today, but Alison’s not well, so ‘get well soon’. And just when you thought you got rid of me after seven weeks, like a bad penny, I turn up again’
Bad news: On Sunday, Eamonn announced he would act as a stand-in replacement for Vernon after the presenter tested positive for Covid. Vernon, 47, was set to front the popular morning show alongside Rochelle this week
‘Monday and Tues line up is now myself and Rochelle Humes. Hope you can join us.’
The presenter, 61, had been presenting the show with wife Ruth Langsford over summer as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield took their annual six-week break.
It comes after Vernon said he was ‘absolutely gutted’ to be missing out on the guest presenting gig.
He told The Sun: ‘I’m absolutely gutted that because of a positive Covid test I’m no longer able to present on This Morning next week with Rochelle.’
The I’m A Celebrity winner was also gearing up to cover Steve Wright’s Radio 2 show, a gig he has stepped down from in light of his diagnosis.
Back up: Rochelle was due to present with Alison on Bank Holiday Monday and was supposed to be joined by Vernon from Tuesday. The Sun further reported that Rochelle, 32, had told of her excitement at welcoming Vernon to This Morning
Back on the small screen: Eamonn saved the day after ITV bosses were left ‘scrambling’ for a replacement for Vernon
Last minute: ITV bosses must now find a last-minute replacement for Vernon, with hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield not due back from their summer break until next month
Vernon added: ‘Nor [can I] do Radio 2 guest hosting and Steve Wright’s cover, two iconic shows which I’ve been a fan of for decades.’
MailOnline has reached out to Vernon’s representatives for further comment.
ITV bosses must now find a last-minute replacement for Vernon, with hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield not due back from their summer break until next month.
Eamonn, 61, announced on last Monday’s episode of This Morning that he and Ruth, also 61, were in their final week of presenting the show for the summer break.
Welcoming viewers to the show on Monday, the couple mysteriously revealed it was their ‘last week’ as well as the ‘last week of summer’.
Unavailable: Eamonn, 61, announced on last Monday’s episode of This Morning that he and Ruth, also 61, were in their final week of presenting the show for the summer break
Rochelle said: ‘I’m so looking forward to hosting with the wonderful Alison Hammond again. I also can’t wait to welcome Vernon Kay into the This Morning family!’