A former This Morning star who worked on the show for seven years praised a pair of fan favourites – and shared criticism towards a third.
During her time in the ITV programme, Jaci Stephen carried out roles including soap critic and film critic.
Years on from her tenure, Jaci revealed her verdict on three familiar faces currently involved with the show.
Writing for The i, she discussed Sharon Marshall, 54, This Morning’s Soaps Expert since 2003.
Jaci penned: ‘Sharon Marshall, my successor as Soap Queen, is terrific.
‘She is also a very fine writer on EastEnders.
Jaci Stephen, who worked on This Morning for seven years, gave her verdict on three stars currently involved with the show
Soaps Expert Sharon Marshall (featured) has been a regular presence on the ITV programme since joining in 2003
Regular viewers would be accustomed to seeing broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth on the show
‘My initial concern that she would in some way be compromised in this dual role were unfounded.’
Meanwhile, Jaci also praised another recognisable face as she wrote: ‘Gyles Brandreth is a joy and if I had my way he’d be on TV 24/7.
‘His intelligence, quick wit, charm and all-round brilliance never fail to impress.’
Last but not least, she offered an assessment on Alison Hammond, who has been a Friday co-presenter since 2021.
Jaci wrote: ‘I like Alison Hammond, but she is no interviewer, and the idea that she is needs to be knocked on the head with a very large mallet.’
Alison, 50, has worked on This Morning since 2002, serving as a reporter and presenter until 2021.
It was then confirmed she and Dermot O’Leary, 52, would succeed Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes as the regular Friday presenters.
As for Jaci, her time on This Morning overlapped with the original presenters, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Discussing her experience working with the pair, she wrote for The i: ‘I worked with Richard and Judy and a more impressive pair of consummate professionals would be hard to find.
‘Richard comes in for a lot of stick, but I learnt a lot from both him and Judy.
‘Not only were they wonderful presenters, they were sharp journalists who also had the populist Midas touch – tapping into the heartfelt sensibilities of viewers.’
She added: ‘The problem is the show continues to try to recreate that template, which, to me, it has consistently failed to do.’
Alison Hammond has worked on This Morning since 2002 and became one of the regular Friday presenters in 2021
Elsewhere, it was revealed that Alison is reportedly in talks with BBC bosses to appear on the next series of The Celebrity Traitors.
She is believed to be ‘keen’ to make an appearance on the show as Beeb bosses are convinced she will be ‘comedy gold’, according to the Sun.
A source told the publication: ‘The Beeb thinks she could be comedy gold, just like Alan Carr.
‘Alison is naturally very funny and they think she could end up being hugely successful.
‘The pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing, so they have a lot to weigh up.’
It is believed that contracts will not be signed until later in the year, but they are ‘keen’ for her to sign.
Other A-listers such as Danny Dyer and Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones are also said to be on the list of potential celebrities signing up for the show.
A representative for the BBC said: ‘We’re not commenting on speculation but details about series two of The Celebrity Traitors will be announced in due course.’
