Martin Lewis is realising his goal as he hosts This Morning for the first time.
The Money Saving Expert, who has been a regular contributor to the ITV daytime programme since his debut in 2003, joined Josie Gibson on the iconic sofa as he was elevated to host.
‘This isn’t an audition, I don’t want the job, I’ve got a day job, I’ve just always wanted to do this,’ he admitted at the beginning of Monday’s episode.
However, he humorously advised fans to be kind with him and not flood social media with complaints if they ‘don’t like’ his appearance.
‘Everybody watching, I hope you enjoy today,’ he said. ‘And if you don’t, don’t worry ’cause it’s a one off. So you don’t need to tell me on social media if you didn’t enjoy it, I don’t need to know!’
Despite not desiring the part in the long run, Martin stated that fronting the show was a ‘bucket list’ moment for him, and it was something he had wanted to achieve for the past 20 years.
Martin is a regular contributor to This Morning, answering viewers’ queries about money and personal finance. He has been especially helpful during the current cost of living issue.
He made his first appearance on the show in 2003, and he was surprised when the supervisor at the time contacted him and invited him to return.
‘The editor called me up afterwards and said, “Do you wanna come on every week? And I cried,’ he admitted. ‘Now 21 years later, thank you very much for having me on the show!’
The 51-year-old broadcaster previously presented Good Morning Britain with Susanna Reid, but this is his first time in the later midday slot.
He announced the news on X, writing: ‘I’ve been expert-ing on @thismornign for 21yrs – in recent times usually from home. Well I’m going in on Monday… because having mentioned off-hand to the producers last week that I’d like to present it ONCE (bucket list thing), they said come on and give it a go!’
He added: ‘No idea if I’ll be any good at it, especially the less serious bits, but it’ll be fun to try – before the proper new dynamic duo of Ben & Cat get going.’
The programme has witnessed several changes in recent months, with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield both departing within weeks of each other.
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have officially replaced Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
