ITV viewers shocked to discover ‘iconic’ This Morning segment was fake

ITV viewers were shocked to discover that a This Morning segment from two years ago was actually fake.

The daytime show, which is now presented by Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard after they took over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, often features advice columnist Deidre Sanders, who answers viewers' questions.

But a call from 2022 in which a citizen expressed his grief for Princess Diana was actually a hoax.

User @d_a_v_e_m_a shared the clip on X and admitted: “Happy 2nd anniversary of when I tricked the #thismorning team into thinking I was someone called Jennifer and I was shaking over the death of Princess Diana.”

In the clip in question, substitute presenters Rochelle Humes and Vernon Kay read out the task, which had been submitted by a person named “Jennifer”.

“That’s sad,” Rochelle began.

She then read: “I am still mourning the loss of Princess Diana. I am too upset to speak on air but I cannot cope with the death of Princess Diana.”

“She was my favourite and I can't move on after 25 years. Does Deidre have any advice?

“I'm shaking as I write this.”

Deidre gave her advice, telling the camera: “I really feel for you and there are many people who are still reeling from this very, very sudden loss.”

“But if it haunts you so much, I would assume it's probably related to something in your life.”

Deidre further advised “Jennifer” to identify her other “unresolved issue” that might be related to this “problem.”

She added: “Get help because I think you need to move on with your life and then you will realise this tragic loss. It was very sad but it shouldn't take over your life as completely as it has at the moment.”

However, it turned out that it wasn't a real caller at all and viewers were shocked to find out that it was all a trap.

Fan account @BigBrotherHubUK commented: “I was years old today when I found out this was fake.”

“I'm actually surprised none of them burst out laughing live lmao,” @scotsmike1985 replied.

“I'm shaking as I type this,” iconic,” said @JedLeviX.

“Wait, that was you!?!?!?” wrote @felixw1 and @cicicoopers commented: “STOP IT I THOUGHT THIS WAS REAL WHEN I SAW IT ON THE SHOW…”

“The shaking while writing this is killing me,” added @g1b2y25.

Others praised Deidre's “good advice”, although her comments were not always met with approval by viewers.

Earlier this year, the advice columnist was criticized for her comments during a conference call when she urged a caller to return to her unfaithful husband.

“There is no excuse for his behaviour but have you had a chance to speak to him or has he told you what he thinks might be behind it?” Deidre said, later adding: “Cuddle, give each other a proper kiss, say 'I love you' because that helps to rebuild the warm feelings.”

Viewers were stunned: one shouted vehemently: “Deidre, shut up,” and others advised the caller not to listen to them.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

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