Inside This Morning's Xmas party as Ben, Cat, Alison and Dermot pile into celeb pub - but one star is missing
It was the ultimate festive festive farewell as the This Morning team came together for a glamorous Christmas celebration at the cosy Fox and Pheasant in Chelsea, a pub owned by singer James Blunt. Set on a private road, the venue sparkled with festive lights, a magnificent Christmas tree, and an atmosphere of joy. While the night promised laughter and good cheer, there was a notable absence.
Gino D'Acampo, a mainstay of the programme, did not appear. The Italian chef is reportedly facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee on the This Morning set. Stars arrived one by one with Dermot O’Leary followed by the dazzling Cat Deeley. Wrapped in a chic fur coat and matching sequined skirt, Cat turned heads, clutching a delicate blush handbag.
Dermot kept it stylishly understated in a classic scarf and overcoat. Meanwhile, Alison Hammond was all smiles, wrapped in a quilted black coat that oozed winter chic. The queen of daytime TV didn’t miss a beat, mingling with her co-stars.
Josie Gibson brought a touch of elegance in a flowing cream coat and bright white heels, radiating warmth and charm as she joined the festivities. Not to be outdone, Ben Shephard brought his A-game in a sharp ensemble, looking very dapper.
Vanessa Feltz was also in attendance, her larger-than-life personality lighting up the room as always.
The evening was a bittersweet occasion for the team as they celebrated not just Christmas but also editor Martin Frizell’s final This Morning party before his departure. The staff toasted him over a delectable three-course feast and a seemingly endless flow of bubbly. The camaraderie was palpable, with heartfelt speeches and plenty of laughter filling the cozy pub.
It was announced just last month that Martin would be stepping down from the show after 10 years in charge that saw huge changes on the show, including the unexpected departures of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
Martin, who is married to TV presenter Fiona Phillips, is expected to leave in Spring next year and a replacement is not thought to have been appointed.
Martin, 65, described the ITV daytime series as a "juggernaut" and said that he needed to "free up time" for his family. He explained: "“Next year, I’m expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them.
“I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won’t be able to do both.”
