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Dermot O’Leary couldn't resist joining in with April Fools’ Day, and fooling his surprised co-host Alison Hammond.
He took part in the yearly event, where people play practical jokes, pranks, and hoaxes to fool others, before revealing the truth.
During This Morning, Dermot, 50, accidentally knocked over a supposedly valuable item. Alison, and viewers of the ITV daytime show, were led to believe a vase was worth £30,000.
As the ‘antique’ broke into pieces all over the studio floor, Alison, 49, was visibly shocked.
Without hesitation, Alison went straight to the fake owner of the item and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
‘Are you actually joking me?’ she asked. ‘So sorry.’
Dermot then showed that if they need a new actor in a future ITV drama, he’s the man for the job.
He assured the upset guest: ‘I’ll pay for it. I promise I’ll pay for it,’ before bowing his head in shame. Dermot clasped his hands in front of his face, which was done to add to the dramatics or conceal any smiles.
‘I don’t even know what to say. I’m actually going to get upset. I’m so so sorry. Babes I’m so sorry,’ Alison said with her hand placed on her heart.
Finally putting Alison out of her misery, Dermot told her: ‘I’ve only got one thing to say, which is April Fools!’
A smile spread across a relieved Alison’s face as Dermot jumped for joy at the successful joke.
Although Alison told him it wasn’t funny, she’d clearly been amused by the whole prank.
‘I was going to start crying. I didn’t even know what to say,’ she reflected. ‘I actually felt sick.’
The vase owner then revealed she was an actor named Vanessa, and took a bow.
Viewers reacted to the scene on X, and were divided over its inclusion on the show.
‘My heart! I nearly had a heart attack. The reason I thought it might be real was because I wouldn’t be surprised if Dermot @radioleary actually did knock it! Phew. Well done! Best April fools ever!’ wrote Fiona Wood.
ManaboutLDN disagreed and wrote: ‘The worst amateur dramatic acting I’ve seen you’re 3rd on the trot for #AprilFools we know the drill!!!’
After the segment, Dermot promised that the remainder of the episode would be real but viewers are convinced Josie Gibson going to meet worm-charmers was another joke. She met a group of animal enthusiasts who tried to entice the creature out of the ground through unusual methods such as riding a toy horse and chanting.
Sohail was amongst those waiting for the big reveal that never came: ‘I legit thought that worm charming item was an April Fools!’
This Morning aren’t the only ones who’ve conducted a prank for the occasion.
Ant and Dec announced a brand new culinary venture this morning – but nobody was convinced.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
