This Morning viewers have decided on Holly Willoughby's 'perfect' co-host after spotting a difference in her. The presenter was seen holding back the tears earlier this week when she returned to screens for the first time amid the scandal engulfing her former co-star and friend.
Holly, 42, hadn't been seen on screens for a fortnight after extending her pre-planned half-term break following the announcement that her former co-star had quit This Morning due to their rumoured fallout behind the scenes 'becoming the story'. However, he later stepped back from ITV altogether after admitting to lying to Holly and his employers about a relationship with a much younger ITV colleague.
During her return to screens on Monday (June 5), mum-of-three Holly addressed the scandal head on in a statement read out live on air as she was supported by her new co-host Josie Gibson.
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The pair soon cracked on with the first show of the week and it has been business as usual since on the popular ITV daytime show. But in a bit of a switch-up, Josie passed the presenting baton over to Craig Doyle for Holly's last two shows of the week before Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary return on Friday (June 9) as usual.
And at the beginning of Thursday's instalment, Holly bid farewell to Craig. "Hello, good morning welcome to Thursday's This Morning," Holly began as she said goodbye to Craig. "So Craig, you are headed home tonight. Excited to see the kids?"
"Yeah, the kids I guess," he replied. "I mean it's always nice to see the kids." Holly then asked: "I'll put it this way then who will be the most excited to see you?" to which Craig admitted: "The dog. It's always the dog. We all get giddy about seeing the dog."
But with it not clear when exactly Craig will be back at the helm, This Morning fans were flocking to social media to praise Craig and brand him the ideal replacement for Phillip. @Cheryl82185788 said: "This Morning has got to make Craig Doyle the permanent host, he is lovely, great personality and compliments Holly Willoughby on the sofa, fits in with the team like a glove. Come on This Morning make it happen."
@eastleedslass tweeted: "Craig Doyle is superb on This Morning and if they've any brains he will get the permanent gig with Holly." @ForeverOUFC begged: "Can we have Craig Doyle permanently as Phil’s replacement? He and Holly just work so well together #thismorning."
@merlyboy shared: "Thoughly enjoyed This Morning with Craig and Holly. Their chemistry was beautiful. A perfect replacement and beautiful to swoon over." @Emma20250174 praised: "ABSOLUTELY should keep Craig on This Morning permanently! He is the perfect fit with Holly! #thismorning #craigdoyle."
And the praise comes as viewers also claim to have spotted a big change in Holly. @StephsMoansx commented: "There’s such a warmth and calmness about Craig Doyle, Holly seems more relaxed with him too. Would not complain if he were to be permanent #ThisMorning." @_drTPhilp echoed: "Holly Wills looking a lot more relaxed now with Craig Doyle as new co-host. #ThisMorning."
And the mum-of-three looked happy and relaxed as she wasted no time in posing for selfies with guest co-host Craig after Thursday's episode. Alongside the picture, Holly simply wrote: "@craigdoyle [blue heart emoji]."
The support also continued for Holly as she shared her daily outfit post with her millions of Instagram followers. They were quick to defend her as some more unkind messages filtered through into the comments section.
@laura4.123 said: "Beautiful dress for a beautiful lady. My nan always taught me that if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing." @sallyjackstvmum commented: "Amazing woman with what you're going through. Such incredible strength." @dhartley56 added: "Love the dress. Beautiful. Don't give up your a good person."
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