This Morning viewers were treated to a delightfully awkward and humorous segment on Friday as co-hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond revisited a nostalgic moment from Dermot's past. The show, which was celebrating Madonna's upcoming album release with themed music choices, took an unexpected turn when a throwback photo from 2005 was revealed live on air.
A Surprise Blast from the Past
As Dermot, 52, and Alison, 51, settled into presenting the ITV daytime show after dancing around the studio to Madonna tracks, producers surprised Dermot with a promotional image from nearly two decades ago. The photo captured a 32-year-old Dermot standing proudly beside pop icon Madonna, both smiling broadly in front of a distinctive purple curtain background. The image was originally taken to promote Dermot's hour-long interview with Madonna about her documentary film I'm Going To Tell You A Secret.
Alison's Unabashed Admiration
Alison Hammond's reaction was immediate and unrestrained. "Hold on a minute, that looks like Justin Timberlake. Is that you? You look HOT," she exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. "Can we just go back to Dermot's picture please because I seriously can't get over how hot you are!"
She continued her praise, noting: "Look at you. I know you're hot now, but that! That was like, who were you? Look at the way you're standing." Dermot's response was one of increasing discomfort as he tried to move the conversation forward, telling his co-host: "I'm getting uncomfortable now..."
Recreating the Iconic Moment
Undeterred by Dermot's embarrassment, Alison insisted they recreate the photo together. "OK, here we go, can we get the shot up, please," Dermot reluctantly told the crew as they posed side by side in the same manner he had with Madonna twenty years earlier.
The throwback moment continued to resurface throughout the broadcast. Twenty minutes later, as the weekly ITV competition was announced, Alison told Dermot: "With that money, I would buy loads of pictures of you and Madonna. I would put them all in my room." Off-screen, Jeff Brazier could be heard shouting: "He was so handsome," prompting Dermot to cross his arms and retort: "What do you mean he 'was' so handsome?"
Multiple On-Air Mentions
The photo made several more appearances during the show, with Alison continuing to express her admiration each time. An hour after the initial reveal, the image was shown again, leading Dermot to finally shout: "Stop!" After one of the commercial breaks, the picture appeared for what seemed to be the final time, prompting Alison to chime: "Let's have a look at the picture, because you look HOT."
Dermot's exasperated response was: "Oh, stop it everybody!" before once again standing next to Alison to recreate the pose for ITV viewers.
Recent This Morning Controversies
This amusing exchange follows several other memorable moments on the popular daytime show. Just one day earlier, co-host Ben Shephard caused a stir during a fashion segment when he asked fashion presenter Jo Good about her "kitten bow" neckline, inquiring: "Is it a kitten bow or a pussy bow?" The question left the crew and co-host Cat Deeley struggling to contain their laughter as Ben attempted to explain himself, only making the situation more awkward.
Earlier in the week, Cat Deeley found herself embarrassed when Ben Shephard scolded her for being "bossy" with guest Christopher Eccleston. As the former Doctor Who star prepared to discuss his new Netflix series Unchosen, Cat reminded him to "sit up straight, we're on!" prompting Ben's playful reprimand.
Other Memorable Mishaps
The show has seen its share of unexpected moments recently. Last week, business advisor Tim Campbell made an unfortunate slip-of-the-tongue during a phone-in segment, accidentally telling a caller she was a "global sex seller" instead of "global socks seller." The mishap sent hosts Rochelle Humes and Joel Dommett into fits of laughter as Tim quickly corrected himself.
In another bizarre segment, the show descended into chaos with a live game of Twister featuring Rochelle Humes, Joel Dommett, and contributor Ashley James. The presenters found themselves tangled together on the studio floor, with Joel joking: "Is this what morning telly has become?" as they struggled to maintain their positions on the colorful mat.
This Morning continues to provide entertainment and occasional controversy for its loyal viewers, airing weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
