Phillip Schofield's two-decade-long reign on This Morning could be coming to an end as ITV bosses are considering a presenter shake-up.
The TV personality was absent from his flagship show for three weeks while his brother, Timothy, was in court for a series of sex crimes. After Phillip, 61, returned to This Morning last week his usual co-host Holly Willoughby, 42, was off sick with a case of shingles leaving Rochelle Humes to fill in for her.
Now for the first time in week's both Holly and Phil will return to their usual presenting roles together on Monday morning, but behind the scenes things aren't running smoothly. ITV bosses are thinking about reshuffling the presenters due to the stream of absences between the team.
During Phillip's absence for his brothers trial, Alison Hammond stepped up and filled in for him which reportedly delighted viewers. A TV insider has come forward to say that ITV bosses are monitoring social media reactions to the presenters and see many viewers are 'tired' of Phillip, but love Alison.
One source claimed to Mail On Sunday: "It's a case of both things colliding. Fans say they are over Phil and they love Alison."
Alison's popularity hasn't gone unnoticed as she was confirmed as the new Great British Bake Off host alongside Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. Her move to rival Channel 4 reportedly 'blind sighted' This Morning bosses as she is set to take on the new role later this year.
After his one month absence, Phillip addressed the situation and the support he had received. He told viewers: "I'd just like to say, it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here and also to you.
"I wanted to say thank you for your kind messages and support which were really appreciated. Thank you very much indeed. On with the show... Shall we?"
Sources recently said that while Phil’s team at talent agency YMU were keen to get him back quickly, ITV bosses suggested more time off. One source said: "YMU’s view was the sooner Phillip was back the better.
"But ITV offered him the chance to have more time off. They felt a longer break would benefit him as he has been in bits at points over the past few weeks.
"They were also keen to see how audiences responded to other presenters. ITV have a lot of talent and this was a good opportunity to test people out.
"It is possible in future there may be a presenting shakeup, and experiments like this are really helpful."
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
- Holly Willoughby and This Morning supporting Phillip Schofield through his brother's trial
- Declan Donnelly shares rare insight into family life as he speaks of daughter Isla during Saturday Night show
- Christine McGuinness reveals 'won't live with Paddy forever' admitting that he is 'proud of her'
- Maya Jama squashes Leonardo DiCaprio rumours as she begs ‘move on please’
