Yorkshire duo take the helm on This Morning

Rani, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said she was “excited” to join the show, while Martin, who has previously hosted the lifestyle show, said it was a “privilege” to be asked back.

The pair add to regular presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, who will front the show from Monday to Thursday. They will host their first show this Friday, July 22.

Rani said: “I’m so excited to be joining the fantastic team at This Morning. What a brilliant way to spend Fridays over the summer.”

Former Saturday Kitchen presenter Martin, who was previously executive chef at the Talbot Hotel in Malton, said despite his extensive experience, live television could still be daunting.

He said: “It can be nerve wracking at times because you’re always a little unsure about what could happen next! I can handle the food items and talk about that no problem, but to go from such light and shade topics… it’s one of the toughest gigs in television without a shadow of a doubt and you realise what pros they are that do this job.

“But I’ll do my best, as that’s all I’ve done for the last twenty years.”

Rani added: “Many hours of my life - certainly when I was a student - have been spent watching this daytime TV institution, so I genuinely cannot wait to see what’s in store over the coming weeks. And I’ll use the opportunity to pick James Martin’s brilliant cooking brain for top tips and get misty-eyed over Yorkshire with him. Roll on Friday.”

This Morning’s editor, Martin Frizell said: “James and Anita are both brilliant hosts in their own right and certainly have the skills suited for the varied and fast-paced nature of This Morning. Plans this year will certainly keep our viewers entertained across the summer weeks.”