Sarah Ferguson’s ‘awkward’ hosting role on ITV’s This Morning leaves viewers cringing
Sarah Ferguson has offered “saucy” relationship advice during her role as co-host on one of Britain’s top-rating morning shows.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sarah Ferguson has divided TV viewers with a surprise appearance as co-host on one of Britain’s top-rating morning shows.
The ex-wife of Prince Andrew received mixed reviews from ITV’s This Morning viewers after she stepped in to fill former presenter Holly Willoughby’s old seat.
Fergie raised eyebrows with a much-promoted segment where she offered relationship advice to callers.
“First dates, proposals, anything you’d like to know about,” she said, ticking off her areas of expertise alongside co-hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond.
One caller on the show asked Fergie’s advice on how to spice up their relationship.
“The element of surprise – that will bring the magic back to the relationship,” she said.
She also suggested wearing “saucy underwear” was a good way to inject some spark.
The Duchess of York also revealed how she once left “love notes” in a former partner’s squash shoes.
Viewers were left cringing when the visibly starstruck Duchess gushed over Sir Cliff Richard — only for the veteran singer to shut down her praise.
From being left speechless by Sir Cliff Richard to giving advice in her relationship phone in, these are some of Sarah, Duchess of York's most iconic moments from the show today! What's your favourite? 😠#ThisMorningpic.twitter.com/oKzEFqqs00
— This Morning (@thismorning) November 20, 2023
Sitting next to Sir Cliff on the sofa, the Duchess said: “I can’t get over it, it’s just incredible. “You know, Sir Cliff, sitting here with you, I’m lost for words and that’s very unlike me!”
Shutting down the compliment, Sir Cliff replied: “Oh come on, you’re never lost for words.”
The incident did not go unnoticed with one fan describing it as “awkward”.
Elsewhere in the program, Fergie participated in a segment about rehoming dogs, following her “inheritance” of the late Queen’s corgis.
Viewers were less than impressed with Fergie’s one-day stint in the hosting chair, with one describing it as “terrible” while another said the TV show’s move was “utterly pathetic”.
“This will be on all the Christmas car crash of the year shows,” one person wrote on X/Twitter.
Another posted: “ITV has lost the plot. Massive switch off!”
But others thought the Duchess of York’s appearance was a breath of fresh air.
“I forgot how funny Fergie is,” one fan wrote on X/Twitter.
“LOVE LOVE LOVE that Fergie is presenting This Morning,” added another.
The Duchess is the latest in a long line of rotating presenters brought in after Willoughby dramatically quit the show after 14 years in October.
Last week, TV presenter Cat Deeley was brought in to co-host for three days and proved a hit with viewers.
KATE SLAMMED OVER ‘TONE DEAF’ TV APPEARANCE
The Princess of Wales has been slammed for her “tone deaf” and “out of touch” appearance on BBC while opening this year’s Children In Need televised fundraiser.
Princess Catherine made the surprise appearance with a prerecorded video message, during which the mum of three told those watching at home that the annual fundraiser is “all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be”.
“Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children in Need have invited me to open this evening’s show,” the 41-year-old royal said.
“Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.
“And yet sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome. It is vital, therefore, that we nurture every childhood and why the sorts of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.”
However, many viewers took to social media to blast the future Queen — who wore a $600 Lisou blouse to film the segment — saying she wasn’t the best choice to open the show.
“I hope Kate Middleton is going to announce a 10 per cent cut in royal funding from public taxes. Think how much that would raise for charity,” one BBC viewer posted on X.
Another said: “A billionaire opening the Children In Need show on BBC. Asking society for donations. Tone deaf, BBC.”
Another disappointed social media user posted: “@BBC So Kate Middleton who owns several homes just popped up on #ChildrenInNeed, last year it raised about £20m ($A38.2m). Or £354m ($A677m) less than we gave the royals to t**t up Buckingham Palace. The hypocrisy.”
It is the first time that the future queen has taken part in a television fundraiser.
Last week, Princess Catherine hosted a symposium where the findings of new research from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood were unveiled.
During her presentation, she told TV presenter Fearne Cotton how her youngest son Prince Louis and his classmates use a “feelings wheel” to express their emotions.
Later on she delivered a keynote speech at the occasion at the Design Museum in London, attended by child and adult specialists and global thinkers.
In her address, Catherine said: “We must acknowledge and address the root cause of some of today’s toughest social challenges and work together to find better answers.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Sarah Ferguson’s ‘awkward’ hosting role on ITV’s This Morning leaves viewers cringing
Join the conversation
Queen of the Amazon: Mary stuns in Brazil
Australia’s Queen Mary has set out on an adventure in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest without King Frederik. See stunning photos.
Read more
New pic reveals Kate has ‘changed’
New photos of the Princess of Wales has shown off a major change as the 42-year-old royal mum of three gets back to work.
Read more