Dermot O’Leary has spoken out following an awkward moment at the National Television Awards where he appeared to be ignored during This Morning’s acceptance speech, only to later confirm that he will be temporarily stepping back from the ITV daytime programme. The incident, which took place on stage in London, has now taken on new weight as reports emerge of behind-the-scenes tensions and scheduling conflicts that may have sidelined one of the show’s longest-serving presenters. For fans, Dermot’s decision represents both a surprising twist and a worrying sign of unrest at a programme that has already weathered months of turbulence.
At the NTAs, This Morning returned to the spotlight by winning the coveted Daytime Programme award after two years of being overlooked. Alison Hammond, Ben Shephard, and Cat Deeley were joined by Dermot as they took to the stage to celebrate with colleagues and contributors. Alison kicked off the speech and praised the team’s efforts, even referring to Dermot as an “amazing legend.” But while she, Ben, and Cat each managed to share their thanks, Dermot hovered silently by their side, never quite able to get his own words in before the microphone was taken away and the segment ended. The moment was widely noted by viewers and quickly circulated on social media, with some fans calling it “painfully awkward” and others accusing the show of sidelining him even in its moment of triumph.
The following day, Dermot addressed the situation head-on during This Morning’s live broadcast. With a mixture of humour and candour, he joked that his co-hosts were “still talking” when he tried to speak, but his comments left no doubt that he had felt overlooked. “I had a few things I wanted to say,” he told viewers, “but maybe I’ll just save them for another day.” His words, though lighthearted, carried an undercurrent of frustration, and fans were quick to connect the dots between his NTA “snub” and growing rumours that his role on the show had been quietly diminished in recent weeks.
Shortly after his remarks aired, news broke that Dermot had chosen to step back temporarily from his This Morning duties. Insiders claimed the decision was not sudden, but rather the culmination of mounting dissatisfaction with the current hosting arrangements. Since the departure of long-time hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, ITV has rotated various combinations of presenters in an effort to stabilize the programme. Alison Hammond and Ben Shephard have increasingly taken centre stage, with Cat Deeley recently joining the line-up, leaving Dermot’s position less defined. Sources suggest he has felt “sidelined” in the new hosting dynamic and that the NTA incident crystallized his decision to take a break.
Backstage reports paint a picture of quiet but persistent tension. According to one production insider, Dermot has been frustrated by being scheduled less frequently than his counterparts, despite his loyal service to ITV and his strong rapport with audiences. “Dermot is a professional, but there’s only so long you can be patient before you start to feel undervalued,” the insider said. Others pointed to differing styles among the presenters, with Alison’s bubbly charisma, Ben’s calm authority, and Cat’s polished presence creating a mix that sometimes leaves less space for Dermot’s contributions. Though ITV has publicly celebrated the “team spirit” of the new line-up, critics argue that the balance has come at Dermot’s expense.
Fans have been vocal in their support for him since the announcement. Social media was flooded with messages praising his professionalism and lamenting what they saw as unfair treatment. Many highlighted his years of experience, from hosting The X Factor to anchoring charity events and live broadcasts, as evidence of his enduring star quality. “Dermot deserves better than being a spare part,” wrote one viewer on X, formerly Twitter, while another commented, “He’s the glue that keeps the show classy—ITV should rethink their strategy before they lose him for good.” For a programme already struggling with public perception after a series of high-profile departures and controversies, alienating a trusted face like Dermot could prove risky.
ITV has not yet issued an official statement on his temporary departure, nor has it confirmed how long the break will last. Some reports suggest he may return later in the year once tensions cool, while others speculate this could mark the beginning of a longer separation. What is clear is that Dermot’s decision has reignited concerns about the stability of This Morning and its ability to balance its roster of presenters without alienating them. For now, viewers are left to wonder whether the NTA snub was simply an awkward accident—or the final straw in a deeper conflict that has been brewing behind the scenes.
