Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary to lead This Morning's summer coverage

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have secured their future on 'This Morning'.

Producers were concerned that the presenting duo had committed to programmes on rival stations but are delighted to have secured the pair as lead hosts over the summer while Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard take a break.

Back-up presenters Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle had been considered as leads, but they will now be part of a rolling support rota along with other guest hosts including Joel Dommett.

A source told The Sun newspaper's TV Bizarre column: “Viewers love Alison and Dermot so locking them in for the summer was a priority.

"Josie and Craig are great but execs couldn’t risk losing their best names when a spotlight’s on the show.

“It’s hoped a decent summer run from Ali and Dermot could get things off to a head-start when Cat and Ben return in September.”

Concerns had been raised after Dermot booked a gameshow job for UKTV channel Dave, and Alison signed on for two BBC shows, 'Alison Hammond's Big Weekend' and 'Florida Unpacked', the latter of which will also feature her 19-year-old son Aiden.

The source said: “Things looked a bit wobbly when Ali booked the travel show.

"It’s due to film in Florida before September. Thankfully, the schedules have worked out.”

A spokesman for 'This Morning' simply said: “Our summer presenting line-up will be announced in due course.”

Alison previously insisted she "never" wanted to host 'This Morning' full time following the appointment of Cat and Ben.

She told The Sunday Times magazine: “We’re the Friday guys! We love being Friday guys!”

Asked if there was any discussion about her presenting more often, she added: “Absolutely not. How could I? I live in Birmingham and do 'Bake Off' and 'For the Love of Dogs'. I never wanted that job. Last year we did extra because we were going through issues, but Cat and Ben will save that show.”