Phillip Schofield replacement: Surprise new favourite emerges to replace This Morning host
Phillip Schofield quit after spending more than two decades on the This Morning sofa in a statement released on social media over the weekend
ITV
A surprise contender has emerged as the new frontrunner in the race to replace Phillip Schofield as This Morning co-host.
The 61-year-old, who first presented ITV’s primetime show in 2002, left This Morning after his relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby reportedly deteriorated.
Announcing his departure on social media, Schofield said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
Holly Willoughby joined the This Morning team in 2009ITV"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Willoughby, who joined Schofield on This Morning in 2009, was reportedly barely speaking to her co-host off-camera.
However, the 42-year-old also issued a statement in which she expressed her gratitude to her outgoing co-host.
Willoughby said: "It's been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on the This Morning set
ITVThe race to replace Schofield on the This Morning sofa is hotting up, with a shock name emerging as frontrunner to join Willoughby.
Alison Hammond, who competed in the third series of Big Brother before turning to presenting, has overtaken Dermot O’Learly as the favourite.
Betting company BoyleSports cut Hammond’s odds into 2/1.
Hammond has co-hosted This Morning on Monday and her regular Friday slot alongside O’Leary.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary discussed Phillip Schofield's departureITVSarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Punters reckon it could be an all-female set-up on the sofa and Alison Hammond is the new favourite to host alongside Holly Willoughby as the pair already have a brilliant on-screen rapport.”
O’Leary currently has odds of 5/2 and 34-year-old presenter Rylan Clark is also a contender on 3/1.
BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay's odds stands at 3/1 and singer-turned-presenter Stacey Solomon is fifth favourite at 8/1.