This Morning fans are shocked to discover Craig Doyle's real age as he co-hosts show with Holly Willoughby

This Morning fans were left gobsmacked when they learned co-host Craig Doyle’s real age.

The Irish presenter filled in alongside Holly Willoughby on Thursday’s show as ITV bosses look for a permanent replacement for Phillip Schofield.

Craig has been a relief presenter on the daytime show for a year but it appears many viewers weren’t familar with him until now.

Several This Morning fans expressed shock to learn that Craig, despite his very youthful looks, is 52.

One viewer took to Twitter and wrote: ‘Enjoying Craig Doyle on the telly but am in shock that he’s 52! Yikes – hope I look half as good when I’m that age!’

Wow: This Morning fans were left gobsmacked when they learned co-host Craig Doyle’s real age

Gig: Craig has been a relief presenter on the daytime show for a year but it appears many viewers weren’t familar with him until now

Another agreed, saying: ‘Omg are u serious. That can’t be true. Why are all the men I like in my mums age bracket.’

A third said: ‘Yeah he never seems to age much. Still looks about 30,’ while another added: ‘I can’t believe Craig Doyle is 52!’

Craig is best known as a presenter for BT Sport while he has also been a host for on ITV’s Rugby World Cup coverage.

He began his career in children’s TV, presenting Disney Club on ITV in the mid-90s and he also fronted his own chat show Tonight With Craig Doyle on Irish broadcaster RTE back in 2010.

Holly returned to This Morning on Monday June 5 following a break amid the fallout over Phillip Schofield admitting to an affair with a younger male colleague.

She presented alongside Josie Gibson for two days before Craig took the reins on Wednesday.

Holly is reportedly determined to fight on to keep her spot on the sofa , despite the chaos at the programme.

She is paid £730,000 a year for the presenting gig but has a growing business empire, estimated to be worth £10million.

Duo: The Irish presenter filled in alongside Holly Willoughby as ITV bosses look for a permanent replacement for Phillip Schofield

Reaction: Several This Morning fans expressed shock to learn that Craig, despite his very youthful looks, is 52

Pals: Holly presented alongside Josie Gibson for two days before Craig took the reins on Wednesday

Drama: Holly is determined to fight on to keep her spot on the sofa, despite the ongoing chaos at the programme caused by Phillip’s revelations

Phillip left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger man who worked on the show, which he branded ‘ill-advised by not illegal.

In an interview last week, he said Holly – who was not aware of the affair – was ignoring his messages apologising and pleading for forgiveness.

Phillip said: ‘I let [Holly] down. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down. Holly did not know and she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say: “I am so, so sorry that I lied to you”.

‘She didn’t reply and I understand why she didn’t reply as well. So, yeah, if anyone is in any way linking Holly to this, that is absolutely, wholly untrue.’

The duo had presented the show together since 2009 and also co-hosted Dancing On Ice.

Holly’s return to the show after a two-week break comes as the ITV show has been plagued by allegations of ‘toxicity’, including from former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes who has alleged there was a ‘total cover-up’ over the Schofield affair.