Alison Hammond was left swooning as she interviewed Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey on Tuesday’s episode of This Morning.
The TV presenter, 46, was caught daydreaming about the star several times ahead of her interview, leading co-host Dermot O’Leary to ask: ‘Hammond, what’s the matter with you?’
Alison joined Patrick, 55, on their video call and recalled how the last time they met they had a ‘gooseberry’ with them, before she playfully added: ‘It was Colin Firth… and it’s so nice that it’s just the two of us today!’
Cheeky: Alison Hammond was left swooning as she interviewed Hollywood heartthrob Patrick Dempsey on Tuesday’s episode of This Morning
Smiling, Patrick replied: ‘Much better isn’t it?’
On his new thriller Devils for Sky Atlantic, Patrick explained of his character Dominic, ‘He’s a man that doesn’t like chaos, he likes control and order and that motivates him in a world of finance in a very challenging time during the great crash.
‘He was a fun character to play and different from anything I’ve played in the past, and that was part of the excitement. That and a chance to shoot in England.’
During the interview, Alison apologised when her mobile started to ring, saying: ‘I’m so sorry Patrick!’
Interview: Alison joined Patrick on their video call and recalled how the last time they met they had a ‘gooseberry’ with them, before she playfully added: ‘It was Colin Firth… and it’s so nice that it’s just the two of us today!’
Laughing Patrick said: ‘Is Stephen Spielberg still bothering you?’
Alison joked: ‘He won’t leave me alone!’
Patrick also revealed how his ‘McDreamy’ character in Grey’s Anatomy is returning for series 17.
The actor explained: ‘Well, he comes back and reunites with Meredith in a very interesting way.’
Of the photo of him and co-star Ellen Pompeo on Instagram [from the filming of series 17], he said: ‘It was really fun this summer when everything was locked down.
Fun: Alison didn’t let Patrick leave without playing one of her classic games, with this one called ‘Patrick’s Anatomy’
‘Ellen and I got together and we were like: “What can we do to inspire people?” and just bring attention to the frontline responders – the doctors and the nurses – and all the people taking care of us right now, they need to be honoured.’
Alison didn’t let Patrick leave without playing one of her classic games, with this one called ‘Patrick’s Anatomy’.
Pulling out a customised ‘Operation’ game with Patrick’s face on it, Alison said: ‘As you can see, there is little Patrick there in all his glory! If I hurt you in any way, obviously just shout.’
Laughing and clapping in delight, Patrick was the perfect patient by taking deep breaths when asked and helped Alison choose the anatomy parts to operate on for his true or false questions.
Future: Patrick also revealed how his ‘McDreamy’ character in Grey’s Anatomy is returning for series 17
Upon removing the funny bone, Alison asked: ‘Did you nearly run away and join the circus?’
Patrick replied: ‘True! I was 17 and rejected from a Clown college – I think you had to be 18.’
Alison then picked the wishbone and asked: ‘What do you wish for your career in the future? Any role or characters you’d love to play?’
Patrick replied: ‘I’ve never done a Western, I’d love to do a Western or any kind of war or action movie…’
Next, Alison chose the butterfly and asked: ‘Do you still get butterflies when you’re acting alongside the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams…?’
Show: The actor explained: ‘Well, he comes back and reunites with Meredith in a very interesting way’
Patrick admitted: ‘I always get nervous… I don’t think that ever goes away. You learn how to manage it the older you get, but it’s always there.’
The last one Alison chose was the heart, and she asked: ‘What makes your heart sing?’
Patrick said: ‘I think with Grey’s Anatomy and the show, so many young people have gone into the medical profession. To me, that’s been the greatest thing.
‘So I think that and the opportunity to create the Dempsey Centres in the town I grew up in, in Maine, where we help people that have been impacted by cancer – it’s about giving back. Everything else, it doesn’t have quite the same meaning…’
Patrick said: ‘I think with Grey’s Anatomy and the show, so many young people have gone into the medical profession. To me, that’s been the greatest thing’
Alison added: ‘Well, Patrick Dempsey, you have made my heart sing today. It’s been an absolute pleasure seeing you again. I’m so excited about Devils – I cannot wait.’
Patrick replied: ‘I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for having me on the show. Great to see you. Next time we’ll get to see each other in person…’ before blowing her a kiss on screen.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV & catch up on ITV Hub.
Show: This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV & catch up on ITV Hub