Former model Twiggy, née Lesley Hornby, has been chosen to present ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning. The 51-year-old Sixties icon will form part of the new team to replace the now departed husband and wife presenters, Richard and Judy, who quit the programme for a lucrative contract with Channel 4 in July.
Twiggy joins ex-Nolans singer Coleen Nolan and Ready Steady Cook star Fern Britton as regular sidekicks to former Blue Peter presenter John Leslie on the show. The new line-up is due to start in September and signals the end of the search for replacements for Richard and Judy, who had fronted the show for 13 years.
The decision to sign up Twiggy, one of the most photographed women in the world in her heyday, has been seen as a surprise. Although she has some acting experience, she has rarely done TV presenting.
Twiggy is, however, delighted at the prospect of presenting the show. “I’m happy to have been asked to work on a show that I’ve always been a huge fan of," she says. "I’m greatly looking forward to working with the new team and we’re going to have some fun.”
Coleen Nolan, who found fame with her sisters in 1980 when they scored a hit with I’m In The Mood For Dancing, said she was also honoured to have been chosen. “I just can’t describe how I feel. I used to watch This Morning every day – I think most mums do – but I never thought I’d end up on it.”
The programme’s executive producer Charlie Bunce said, “I am delighted that we have been able to sign up such a talented team. Between them they possess an enormous range of skills and experience.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
