It was a day of drama, praise, and pointed criticism on ITV’s This Morning today (Monday, May 25), as viewers took to social media to react to Sian Welby’s appearance alongside Craig Doyle during a bank holiday presenting shake-up. The 39-year-old star, who rose to fame in 2010 on Channel 5, stepped in for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who were absent for the long weekend.
While Sian and Craig have covered for the main presenters before, today’s broadcast sparked a storm online, dividing fans over her performance. Some viewers were quick to slam Sian, calling her “out of her depth” and “downright embarrassing,” while others praised the duo as “a breath of fresh air.”
Viewers Voice Frustration
Social media erupted with commentary soon after the broadcast. Some accused Sian of leaning too heavily on Craig Doyle for guidance throughout the programme. “Welby is out of her depth here. She keeps turning to Craig for reassurance,” one viewer wrote, encapsulating a common criticism among detractors.
Others were harsher, branding the presenter “amateurish” and “unprofessional.” One fan commented, “Welby is in awe of Craig. She’s so amateurish. It’s downright embarrassing and unprofessional.” Another added, “I agree. Sian thinks she is a better presenter than she really is.” Some even suggested that while Sian had charm, she lacked the maturity required for daytime television. “She seems lovely but a bit immature for this show xx,” one social media user noted.
The criticism reflects how strongly audiences engage with This Morning, where long-standing viewers have high expectations for presenting skills and chemistry between co-hosts. Stepping into a programme that has been a staple of British daytime TV for decades, even for a short bank holiday stint, puts substitutes under intense scrutiny.
Support and Praise
Yet not all reactions were negative. Many viewers came to Sian’s defence, highlighting the warmth and energy she brought alongside Craig Doyle. Some praised their chemistry and playful rapport. “Love Craig and Sian presenting. They’re a breath of fresh air and Craig is hilarious,” one fan tweeted, capturing the tone of support. Another added, “Yes, very chilled in their presentation. No dramatics.”
Fans also expressed delight in seeing Sian on screen more often. “Great to see Sian and Craig, lovely presenters. They have great chemistry. Wish they were on more often,” one social media user commented. Another chimed in: “I like it when Craig and Sian get a chance to do the programme.”
The Presenting Shake-Up
Today’s changes came as Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard took a short break for the bank holiday, giving Sian and Craig the opportunity to take the reins. While the pair have co-presented before, every broadcast brings fresh scrutiny from fans who compare them to the regular hosts.
Sian’s appearance also coincided with ongoing chatter in the entertainment media about potential changes to This Morning’s hosting lineup, leaving fans sensitive to any perceived missteps. The heightened attention perhaps explains the intensity of the mixed reactions, with both praise and criticism flooding social media.
Sian’s Broadcast Style
Sian has been known for her approachable, friendly presenting style, balancing light-hearted moments with professionalism. On today’s show, she engaged viewers with ease, contributing to interviews and interacting with Craig throughout the programme. Fans supportive of her praised her relaxed delivery and natural charm.
Critics, however, argue that Sian’s style can come across as inexperienced compared to the polished performances of Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. The most common complaint focused on her reliance on Craig for reassurance during segments, suggesting that viewers expected a higher level of independent hosting confidence.
Craig Doyle’s Role
Craig Doyle, 50, has been a fixture on British television for decades, known for his wit and steady on-screen presence. His experience likely contributed to the perception that Sian was relying on him, though fans supportive of the pair argue that their teamwork demonstrated strong chemistry rather than imbalance.
“Audience members loved the banter,” one supporter wrote online. “Sian and Craig are clearly comfortable together, and their rapport makes the show enjoyable.” For many, this dynamic was a highlight of the bank holiday episode.
The Viewer Divide
The contrasting reactions highlight the challenges of daytime TV hosting, where even temporary substitutions can generate significant attention. Audience expectations are high, and viewers are quick to judge performance, chemistry, and professionalism. Sian’s performance demonstrates both the opportunities and risks for presenters stepping into established roles, particularly when paired with experienced co-hosts.
Some media commentators noted that viewer feedback reflects a broader trend in daytime television, where social media amplifies every reaction and allows audiences to participate directly in critiquing hosts. Today’s mix of criticism and praise illustrates the double-edged nature of this exposure.
Looking Ahead
Despite mixed reactions, Sian Welby’s profile has benefited from the appearance, reminding audiences of her charm, experience, and ability to step into high-pressure presenting roles. With her continued presence on This Morning during absences or special segments, she has the chance to refine her style further and win over sceptical viewers.
Producers of This Morning are likely aware of the social media reaction, and feedback from today’s episode may influence how future bank holiday or guest-host appearances are planned. Sian’s ability to navigate these appearances successfully will be crucial in maintaining credibility with the programme’s dedicated audience.
Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz
Online, the debate raged throughout the day. Critics used hashtags to voice their frustration, while supporters countered with posts celebrating the presenters’ energy and chemistry. Fan forums, Twitter threads, and Instagram comments were flooded with discussions comparing Sian’s style to the regular hosts, highlighting the polarizing nature of public opinion.
Some fans empathised with Sian, pointing out that stepping into a long-running show mid-season can be challenging. “It’s a tough job to follow Ben and Cat, and she handled herself well,” one post noted. Others expressed hope that she would return for more episodes to showcase her skills.
Conclusion
Sian Welby’s May 25 appearance on This Morning proved to be a dramatic mix of admiration and critique. While some viewers labelled her “downright embarrassing” and “unprofessional,” many others celebrated her energy, charm, and rapport with Craig Doyle.
The episode highlighted the pressures of live daytime TV hosting, where audience expectations are high and scrutiny is amplified by social media. For Sian, today’s experience demonstrates both the challenges of stepping into an established programme and the potential for building a strong fanbase through charisma and authenticity.
As the This Morning lineup continues to evolve, Sian Welby will remain a figure to watch, navigating both criticism and support while proving her versatility as a presenter.
Whether she wins over sceptical viewers or continues to divide opinion, one thing is clear: Sian Welby’s appearances will continue to generate buzz, discussion, and headlines across daytime television and social media alike.
