ITV This Morning viewers defend pregnant Mollie King as she replaces Jodie Gibson

This Morning viewers were left surprised when they tuned into the latest edition of the show to find Josie Gibson had been replaced. Craig Doyle, who has been hosting the ITV daytime show this week alongside the Big Brother winner, had a new co-host in the shape of Mollie King.

It had already been announced by ITV that the former Saturdays singer and BBC Radio 1 host would be stepping into the main presenting slot alongside Craig at some point during the summer. However, it appears fans weren't expecting Josie's run to be cut short on Thursday (July 28).

Opening the show, Mollie, 35, and Craig, 51, welcomed viewers before Craig turned to chat to his new co-host. "Look who's joining me today," he said. "It's Mollie! How's it going," Craig asked to which she replied: "I'm so excited, thanks for having me on with you."

READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard steps in to defend Ranvir Singh as Nadine Dorries hits back

Craig spoke to Mollie about he felt he had 'jumped into the telly' when he first started hosting the popular show earlier this year to which Mollie agreed. The 35-year-old continued: "I had one of those nights last night where I kept waking up throughout the night thinking, 'I've missed the alarm, I've overslept.'

"Thank goodness, I'm here on time... just about," she added before Craig mentioned Mollie recently announced news that she's expecting her first child with cricketer fiance Stuart Broad. "Baby's arriving in November. I'm six months now." She said: "I've got lots to learn but loving every minute."

Craig was quick to make Mollie feel welcome as she joked about him 'holding her hand' throughout the two-hour long show. However, he may not have realised Mollie has previously hosted This