Loose Women presenter Gloria Hunniford has revealed her friends Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have been left "disappointed" over the decision to drop them from their weekly This Morning slot.
Last week, ITV announced that the couple will be replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary on This Morning next year, and only present during the key holidays.
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Speaking about the surprise move, Gloria told The Mirror: "That one was very hard to understand - I don't fully understand the reasons behind it."
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She added: "I've talked to Eamonn since, and he's clearly disappointed. I think they find it very difficult to understand why the change." Despite her view, Gloria understands that ITV are having a diversity shake-up. "There are a lot of lovely new young presenters coming in, which is good," she said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesGloria Hunniford has shared her verdict
It was previously reported that ITV had decided it was "time for a change" regarding the panel of presenters on the show. The report went on to state that while Eamonn and Ruth are hugely popular with viewers, "tough decisions" had to be made.
MORE: Eamonn Holmes reveals Ruth Langsford is 'not a victim' during their interviews
Ruth and Eamonn normally present the Friday slot each week and step in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during school holidays. But Ruth and Eamonn will now be replaced by Alison and Dermot, who will host Fridays from 8 January 2021. Holly and Phil will continue with their regular Monday to Thursday presenting duties.
© Photo: RexRuth and Eamonn will lose their Friday morning slots and only present during holidays
Taking to Twitter to share identical statements on their respective accounts, Ruth and Eamonn wrote: "It's a changing of the guard on Fridays from January. We hope you make Alison and Dermot as welcome as you've made us over the years.
"Have a Ball you two! It's not Goodbye from us, it's simply Au Revoir until the next half term."
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