Rylan Clark has joined the frontrunners in the race to replace Phillip Schofield.
According to bookmakers Ladbrokes, the odds of Rylan becoming a permanent feature on the ITV daytime show have been slashed.
Over the weekend he had a 4/1 shot, however, it has now fallen to just 7/2 on Rylan - who plans to take a break from his BBC Radio 2 show - joining Holly Willoughby as a permanent presenter on This Morning.
Elsewhere, Alison Hammond continues to lead the way for the gig, with Rylan now joining Dermot O'Leary as a joint-second favourite.
The show on Monday began with the pair commenting on the ongoing drama and Phil's dramatic exit on Saturday.
Alison said: "Now we can't start today's show without paying tribute to the man who has been on the sofa for two decades, Phillip Schofield."
Dermot added: "Everyone on and off the screen at This Morning wants to say a big thank you to Phil who helped make this show a success."
Alison said: "Quite simply, we all know he is one of the best live television broadcasters this country has ever had and we and all the team wish him all the best for the future."
Dermot added: "So Holly has now taken a break over half term and she will be back in the studio in two weeks time, on Monday 5th of June."
The pair then continued with the show.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "All eyes will no doubt be on the This Morning sofa over the next few weeks, and the odds suggest ITV chiefs could pull a sensational U-turn by bringing back Rylan for a permanent seat alongside Holly."
It comes as the presenting duo were announced as temporary presenters of the show, as former host Phillip battles to save his television career.
Schofield announced on Saturday he would step down from presenting the daytime talkshow with immediate effect, after ITV bosses told him “the current situation can’t go on” following weeks of damaging news stories.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Two This Morning stars 'will not return to show' if Phillip Schofield keeps his job
Rylan Clark seems to make cryptic dig at Philip Schofield amid ongoing This Morning 'feud'
ITV bosses said to be planning 'This Morning bloodbath' with more than one facing axe
