This Morning is known for its lighthearted banter and unexpected moments,
but Friday’s (February 21) episode left host Dermot O’Leary visibly confused when guest chef Rustie Lee vanished on live television.
Co-host Alison Hammond had to step in and explain the situation, though Dermot remained intrigued by the bizarre disappearance.
Rustie Lee Vanishes Mid-Segment
As This Morning kicked off its Friday show, Dermot and Alison guided viewers through the day’s lineup, previewing an upcoming cooking feature with Rustie Lee.
However, when the camera cut to the kitchen, the renowned chef was nowhere to be seen.
“Also on the show today, Rustie is back in the kitchen with a fruity muffin. We can’t wait for this,” Alison announced enthusiastically.
Dermot, catching the unexpected absence, asked with genuine confusion, “Where has she gone?” The moment caught both the hosts and viewers off guard, as Rustie had been by the oven just moments earlier.
Alison quickly jumped in to clear up the mystery, revealing that Rustie had stepped away to dispose of some sticks they had used in an earlier dance routine during the show.
“Why did we give her the sticks? We’ve got to keep the puppy in the basket with Rustie. No reason for her to leave at all,” Dermot joked, clearly still perplexed by the situation.
Alison Tries to Move On, But Dermot Remains Amused
Attempting to steer the segment back on track, Alison continued talking about Rustie’s much-anticipated muffin-making demonstration.
“But listen, let me tell you about her muffins, they’re gorgeous. They’re fruity muffins, they’re absolutely delicious. If we know Rustie, we know that she is going to put every single ingredient possible into these muffins, but they’re going to be beautiful,” Alison said, trying to focus on the recipe.
Despite her best efforts, Dermot remained fixated on the unexpected exit, saying, “Genuinely no reason for her to leave the studio, she was there… She’s here to do the muffins. I’m now fascinated where Rustie is… Get back on the television.”
Viewers React to the Hilarious Moment
Fans of This Morning quickly took to social media to share their amusement and confusion over Rustie’s sudden departure.
One viewer wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “SHAMBLES!!” while another jokingly speculated, “She’s probably just having a s**.”*
The moment added to the unpredictable nature of live TV and had fans laughing at the lighthearted confusion among the presenters.
A Packed Show with Surprising Segments
Beyond the kitchen chaos, Friday’s This Morning featured a wide range of intriguing discussions.
One of the most unusual interviews of the day featured a man who has made arrangements to cryogenically freeze his family after death in hopes of reuniting with them in the future. The controversial topic sparked a debate among the hosts and viewers alike.
Additionally, the show checked in with Phil Vickery and David Domoney, who were broadcasting live from This Morning’s allotment. They shared expert gardening tips for cultivating spring vegetables, offering practical advice for green-thumbed viewers.
With Britain’s Got Talent making its highly anticipated return on Saturday (February 22), former winners Paul Potts, George Sampson, and Sydnie Christmas also stopped by the studio. The trio reminisced about their journeys on the show, giving fans a nostalgic trip down memory lane ahead of the new season.
Live TV at Its Best—Unpredictable and Entertaining
The unexpected disappearance of Rustie Lee was just another example of why live television remains so entertaining. Dermot O’Leary’s baffled reaction and Alison Hammond’s attempts to regain control made for a hilarious segment that had viewers talking long after the show ended.
Despite the momentary confusion, Rustie eventually returned to the kitchen, ready to whip up her signature muffins. And while her brief absence may have puzzled Dermot, it certainly provided one of the most memorable and amusing moments of the morning.
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