.

This year’s This Morning Christmas special was helmed by Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary as they joined forces to spread festive cheer.

They introduced several famous guests, including Josie Gibson, Gyles Brandreth, who recited a Christmas poem, and Phil Vickery, who offered advice on how to improve a Christmas dinner with simple tricks.

However, some fans were left disappointed when they discovered the ITV show was not transmitted live like it is on normal weekdays. Instead, the programme was pre-recorded in advance.

One viewer complained on Twitter/X: “Alison made out it’s live saying she’s only opened one present and will open the rest later, but Ben said Christmas day he’ll be in Cornwall, so it’s obviously not live then #thismorning.”

Another wrote: “#ThisMorning so now we have a pre-recorded piece being given as a live piece on a pre-recorded show. It’s getting like the Matrix.”

READ MORE: GMB’s Susanna Reid halts Christmas special as she breaks show protocol on air

Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley hosted the This Morning Christmas special. (Image: ITV)

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary brought festive cheer on Christmas Day. (Image: ITV)

A third echoed: “I’m old enough to remember the days when ITV used to show films and cartoons on Christmas Day. Now we have these ‘live’ daytime shows that no one asked for #ThisMorning.”

And a fourth lamented: “I don’t see why they can’t go to work today when people who work for the NHS and other sectors have to work on Christmas Day. #thismorning.”

Nevertheless, others enjoyed seeing the ITV favourites on their screens on Christmas morning, with particular praise for Alison and Dermot. A fan said: “Dermot O’Leary hurling with Christmas baubles is just the start to the day we need.”

Another wrote: “Alison’s gift to Dermot was really thoughtful #thismorning,” and a third said: “Merry Christmas Alison, you’re looking gorgeous as per, have a lovely day!”

Elsewhere in the episode, there was a ‘Where Are They Now?’ segment with Sian Welby interviewing Love Actually child star Olivia Olson about her role as Joanna. The hosting quartet also recreated Keira Knightley and Andrew Lincoln’s iconic doorway scene.

Strictly Come Dancing star Ian Waite also made an appearance, while Rob Brydon was quizzed on the final episode of Gavin and Stacey.

The show then travelled to Weatherfield as Coronation Street prepares for Helen Worth’s exit as Gail Platt. In the segment, Sharon Marshall spoke to Tina O’Brien, Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price, who play Gail’s children Sarah, David and Nick.