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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

This Morning's Dermot O'Leary favourite to replace Phillip Schofield as star QUITS show

This Morning's Dermot O'Leary could be replacing Phillip Schofield as bookies revealed he is a favourite to take over from the host.

Phillip's recently announced that he was quitting the ITV show amid his ongoing alleged feud with his best friend and long-time co-host, Holly Willoughby.

It was claimed that the pair's friendship has 'cooled' in recent months and ended in Holly 'cutting ties' with Phil.

In recent weeks, fans and bookies have been choosing their favourite stars to replace Phil should the day come.

Mirror readers even voted for Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford and Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary as the top choices to replace the bubbly duo.

Bookies Willliam Hill recently revealed that Dermot has been backed by punters to replace Phil as the next permanent host by the end of this week.

Dermot is favourite to replace Phillip Schofield (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
It comes amid Phillip's alleged feud with Holly (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Dermot remains the 5/2 joint-market leader alongside Vernon Kay to be appointed host of the Monday to Thursday role.

William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: "As rumours intensify about Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s off-air relationship on ITV’s This Morning, we’ve seen backing for Friday presenter Dermot O’Leary to replace Schofield over the next few days."

After rumours emerged of Phillip's relationship with Holly struggling, the former released a statement that reportedly "blindsided" his co-host.

He admitted that "the last few weeks haven't been easy for either" of them and he has always been grateful for the support of Holly and everyone around him.

Sources claimed neither Holly nor ITV knew about the sudden statement.

Sources and fans have also shown their preference for Dermot (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Last week, insiders said that Dermot would be the "ideal replacement" to host the show if Phillip leaves.

"Phil’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it’s time for a shake-up," they claimed.

"It is still a long way off and anything could happen but there is no hiding Dermot’s popularity – or his close relationship with Holly."

They added that viewers have been big fans of Dermot's partnership with Holly when they have the chance to host together.

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