This Morning fans give brutal verdict as 'social media superstar' joins presenting team: 'It's not the job for him'
His first day on the job didn't go too wellThis Morning viewers were treated to a new presenter on the show today but, unfortunately, their verdict is brutal.
Main hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard introduced their new colleague as a “social media superstar” in the opening segment of the episode.
But unfortunately, it appears fans aren’t on board.
Samuel Wolfenden was brought in to co-host live from the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with This Morning regular, Josie Gibson.
Josie explained to Cat and Ben that it is Ladies Day at the famous horse-racing event.
Pointing to professional Farrier and influencer Sam, she added: “And it’s made even more special, as I’m joined by a brand new co-host, Mr Sam Wolfenden.”
Smiling, Sam replied: “Thank you for having me.” He then added: “There’s no better place to be than at the races.”
The pair joked about how they would be placing some bets, before “splitting the G”.
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But when Cat and Ben returned to the pair later in the show, viewers were quick to share their thoughts on Sam’s skills as a presenter.
This Morning backlash to new racing presenter
In their segment, Josie and Sam discussed what type of horse shoe a racing horse wears. Sam handed Josie an aluminium shoe.
This is farrier Sam’s expertise. A skilled expert in hoof care, he describes himself as “The hoof guy” on Instagram and has a whopping 1.3million followers.
But then Josie disappeared off, leaving Sam to interview former jockey and Head of Ladies Day, Rachel Blackmore. And his nerves were clear.
Sam appeared to be listening more to the voice in his earpiece than what Rachel was saying. He then asked just one question, before awkwardly thanking her for her time.
“It’s been amazing to speak to you today,” he said. For a split second, Sam appeared unsure where to look next. He then focused on the camera and said: “Back to you guys in the studio.”
‘Any good luck today?’
Later, Sam interviewed several lady guests at Cheltenham, but again, it all seemed very awkward as he struggled to make conversation.
He even asked them if they’d “had any luck so far today?”. The trouble was, the horse-racing hadn’t even started yet.
Giving their opinions on X, fans didn’t hold back. One penned: “Who is this Sam guy on This Morning. He’s trying bless him, but presenting is really not the job for him.’
Another added: “Oh dear, that Sam lad is struggling. #cringe.”
A third penned: “Poor Sam, he’s a Farrier not a presenter!” And a fourth said: “Influencer doesn’t equal a TV presenter.”
One person even admitted: “Sam, nice eye candy…presenter he’s not.”
There were a couple of supporters, however.
Giving Sam encouragement, one viewer wrote: “Aww I hope with practice he becomes more comfortable.”
Geeing him up, another suggested “presenting lessons” might help. Oops.
