This Morning's Ben Shephard interrupts show to clarify co-star's absence from studio

This Morninghost Ben Shephard was forced to clarify his co-star's absence moments into the show today (Thursday, September 4).

After returning from their summer break, the presenter was joined by Cat Deeley as usual, as well as guests Ashley James and Nick Ferrari.

The duo usually runs through the morning's headlines with the main presenters, with Nick often appearing via video link from his LBC radio show rather than in the This Morning studio.

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Addressing his absence, Ben began: "The lovely Ashley James is here, Nick Ferrari will be joining us as well.

"There's no truth to the rumours that he won't come into the studio because he's worried about getting nits from Ashley.

"He is going to be joining us at some point."

Ashley then joked, "I don't have nits anymore! Hopefully!"

"I have to say that I have issued a statement through my lawyers, tax advisers, and all financial advisers, and there's no truth to it," Nick later quipped when he appeared via video call.

"I look forward to embracing Ashley in about half an hour," he laughed.

This comes after Ashley revealed she was "snubbed" from Nick's wedding during a chat on This Morning.

The radio host married his long-term partner in Nice last month, with Piers Morgan and Myleene Klassin attendance.

However, Ashley had earlier revealed she hadn't been invited during a conversation on This Morning with Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary about wedding attire.

The former Made In Chelsea star said: "Well, I'm not going to Nick's wedding because he's not invited me."

Laughing it off, Nick replied: "That was a bit of a tense moment."

"Theoretically, if Nick had invited me to his wedding, I wouldn't wear white," Ashley went on.

She had earlier honoured her friendship with him on Instagram, writing: "Nick is fast becoming my work husband and we whilst we disagree on almost everything do with politics we also have a great working relationship."

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.