Alison Hammond has been drafted in to replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning today, with fans delighted at the thought of seeing more of the former Big Brother star on their screens.
The ITV mid-morning show is back today, with there set to be interviews with Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas, whilst horticulturist David Domoney will be giving viewers some gardening tips.
However, Phil won't be there to keep an eye over proceedings as Alison Hammond confirmed she will be fronting the ITV show this week alongside regular host, Holly Willoughby.
Introducing today's Loose Women, Dermot O'Leary and Alison crossed over to Kaye Adams and the team there.
"On Monday's This Morning, Shirley Ballas will be here as she reveals why her latest project will be more competitive than Strictly," Alison said on Friday, as Dermot added: "David Domoney has all you need to know about getting your garden ready for Spring."
Alison then chimed in to say: "Guess what, I'm going to be hosting. Monday, 10 o'clock, see you there!"
The Brummie babe is a hit with This Morning viewers, with fans calling on the star to permanently replace Phil or Holly as one of the show's main hosts.
"Petition for @alisonhammond55 and @dermotoleary 5 days a week please @thismorning," on Instagram user wrote over the weekend after the news was confirmed.
"Best thing producers did getting you two on, certainly has jazzed up the show! would love to see you every day," another added, as a third quipped: "I wish you guys were on Monday-Friday."
It comes after sources revealed to The Mirror that Alison is being lined up to succeed Holly as the host of This Morning.
"ITV bosses are clear they want Holly to return to This Morning next year. But while a question mark hangs over her future, there have been conversations about who could step in if she decided to go," a source shared with us.
"Top of that list is Alison. She has gone from being seen as a safe pair of hands to a real asset to the channel. And while her partnership with Dermot is seen as solid, there have also been conversations about other pairings – such as with Josie Gibson, who she was recently filming with in the French Alps. If Holly were to leave, it is unlikely she would be replaced by one person – as when Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain, there would be a series of combinations trialled."
They added: "Other names mentioned have been Kate Garraway, and even Ed Balls, after his success on GMB."
Holly and Phil usually present the show Monday to Thursday, whilst Alison and Dermot take over on Fridays.
A show source said: "Both Holly and Alison are much-loved, respected and valued members of the This Morning family and have been so for over 14 and 20 years respectively. Both women very much enjoy working with each other on the show and are friends."
An ITV spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation about artists' contracts."
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
