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Simon Duke

Phillip Schofield gives Holly Willoughby health update as her This Morning absence continues

Phillip Schofield told viewers Holly Willoughby was 'still taking care of herself' as her This Morning absence continued after she tested positive for coronavirus.

And, while many loyal viewers of This Morning love Phillip and Holly's longstanding partnership, others have been very impressed by replacement Josie Gibson.

With just hours to go until the Dancing on Ice semi final on Sunday, an ITV spokesperson confirmed that Holly had contracted Covid-19 and would therefore miss the penultimate live show of the new series.

READ MORE: Susanna Reid issues GMB correction over 'death penalty' comment

Rather than Holly be replaced, Phillip went onto host Dancing on Ice solo and Holly's positive test has also had a knock on effect on the This Morning hosting line-up. With Holly missing in action, Alison Hammond, Rochelle Humes and Josie all saw their names thrown into the ring as potential replacements.

And after opening titles rolled on Monday's edition of the ITV daytime show, it was former Big Brother champion Josie who was sat next to Phillip and she's been by his side ever since.

Phillip Schofield gives Holly health update as ITV viewers torn (ITV)

At the end of her show on Wednesday, Lorraine Kelly was chatting to ex EastEnders actress and Holly's friend, Tamzin Outhwaite, when she mentioned about Holly having "the Covid."

And, then, as she always does, Lorraine crossed over to This Morning to speak to Phillip and Josie, with Phillip saying: "She (Holly) is still taking care of herself, looking after herself; Josie's here", before launching into a preview of what was coming up on the show.

Holly's replacement Josie is becoming more and more popular with viewers all the time, with one taking to Twitter calling for her to be made permanent. They posted: "Josie, what a fantastic breath of air you are. ABOUT time Holly and Phil went to graze elsewhere."

Also a big Josie admirer, another ITV viewer tweeted: "I love Josie on this morning. If Holly moves on I think she is a good candidate for her seat ! Down to earth girl," with a third commenting: "Love Josie on #ThisMorning a breath of fresh air. She needs to stay."

Not a Josie fan, one critic replied to blast: "No, I think Josie is dreadful," with another unimpressed viewer reacting: "Can Josie literally go one sentence without making a mistake?

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