Turning back the dock – This Morning’s return to Liverpool
Hundreds of people lined the Albert Dock to see This Morning’s return to Liverpool.
The one-off live show celebrated 25 years of the flagship ITV show, with current presenters Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford joined by original hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Holly told the ECHO: “It is so lovely to be in Liverpool. Everyone is so friendly. We have had so much fun. I want to do it here every day.”
Richard and Judy said they too were delighted to be back in Liverpool.
Richard said he enjoyed “seeing the old faces” and said when the show first hit the screens it was “a big deal for ITV”.
And he said the Liverpool location was a large part of the show’s success , adding “what made it was the Albert Dock”.
Judy added: “On a sunny day it was quite extraordinary”.
Referring to the couple’s willingness to break new ground on the show, Richard said: “We had the first live breast examination and testicular examination”.
And the pair cited a 1993 live interview with Miss Piggy as their favourite moment.
Judy said: “Within two minutes she became real.”
Richard also said the openness of the show and the fact the public could peer in through the windows had some memorable consequences.
He said: “Two old ladies came inside, on to the set. One asked me ‘Is this Habitat?’”
Eamonn Holmes, who presents the show on Fridays with his wife Ruth Langsford, said a highlight of the anniversary was the chance to get together with his co-hosts past and present.
Richard Madeley said: “We had a great night last night. We went to bed at a decent time didn’t we? Some people were up until 1.30am.”
The show included some of the star’s favourite clips, including Madeley’s impression of Ali G, an interview with Miss Piggy and several appearances by Katie Hopkins.
Joker Keith Lemon presented the weather from the floating map in a novelty jumper and a cloud motif suit.
Guests included Barbara Knox, Charlotte Church, Lee Ryan and The Overtones.
The show’s editor Adam Vandermark said: “To return to where it all started with our current hosts and the original This Morning hosts has made for a very memorable show for the whole team.
“The day saw us laugh, cry and relive some wonderful moments along with our viewers who we thank hugely for helping us reach this fantastic milestone.”
Other regulars appearing included agony aunt Denise Robertson and Dr Chris Steele and there was an appearance from Richard and Judy’s daughter Chloe who was just a baby when the show first began.
ITV have launched Text Santa, now in its third year, with exclusive live performances by some of the biggest names on television.
This year’s chosen charities are Age UK, Barnardo’s, BeatBullying, British Heart Foundation, CLIC Sargent and Help the Hospices.
All funds raised will be split equally between the six charities.