Speculation is mounting over who will replace Phillip Schofield as presenter of This Morning after he sensationally quit the show. Schofield, who was born in Oldham, yesterday revealed he was leaving the ITV programme after 20 years.
He said that the long running daytime show had 'become the story', and that he wanted to 'do what I can to protect the show that I love'. The announcement came after weeks of reported feuds and trouble behind the scenes.
The 61-year-old had reportedly fallen out with his co-host, Holly Willoughby, 42. ITV announced that Holly would be joined by regular members of the 'This Morning family', but it remains unclear if someone will join her fulltime, the Mirror reports.
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Here's a list of presenters that are tipped to replace Phillip and will appear alongside Holly, who is now on annual leave from the programme.
Alison Hammond
Over the years, Birmingham-born Alison has become a fan favourite with her quick wit and entertaining interviews. The star, who found fame on Big Brother, is now the bookies' favourite to replace Phillip on the This Morning sofa.
Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes commented: "Alison's in pole position and This Morning viewers would absolutely love to see her get upgraded from her hosting duties on a Friday.
"It would also be a huge statement if ITV had two females presenting their flagship mid-morning show." Currently, Alison hosts the show every Friday alongside Dermot O'Leary, but recently stepped in for Phillip as he took time off during his brother's child sex offences trial.
Alison is tipped 2/1 to join the sofa on a more regular basis.
Rylan Clark
Having become a regular presenter over the years, Rylan is no stranger to the blue sofa. Recently, he hinted that he might be prepared to take on the role fulltime, after announcing he was taking a break from his BBC Radio 2 programme.
Addressing listeners, he said: "This is where I should say ladies I won't be catching up with you next week. Because I am off to do some other bits and bobs so I'm not going to be here for a fair few weeks."
Bookies have Rylan at 3/1 to join Holly.
Dermot O'Leary
Joining the "family" in 2014, Dermot O'Leary clearly made a good impression as he bagged himself a regular slot, presenting the show with Alison every Friday. This was after legends Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford had been dropped from their slots.
Becoming a fan favourite, Dermot is tipped 4/1 to take over. Readers of the Mirror previously voted for Eamonn and Ruth to rejoin the show as well as Alison and Dermot being their top choices to replace Phillip AND Holly.
Rochelle and Marvin Humes
Former Saturdays singer Rochelle presents the This Morning programme regularly, so there's no wonder she's on this list. Her husband, Marvin is also no stranger, with the pair presenting the programme in some slots between 2013 and 2015.
Three years after leaving the show, Rochelle returned as a relief presenter and frequently presented it alongside Phillip. However, Marvin has ruled out fronting the programme in favour of his wife, telling Heat: "Never say never but that's sort of Roch's family now – it's her thing and it kind of makes sense for it to be how it is."
Ladbrokes have Rochelle at 6/1 while Marvin is at 8/1.
Vernon Kay
Having presented alongside Rochelle, Boltonian Vernon is another member of the "family." Although he may be busy with his BBC Radio 2 programme, after taking over from Ken Bruce, he could be landing another gig.
Shortly after presenting with Rochelle and Josie Gibson, he took to Twitter penning: "Well! What an amazing week on @thismorning Thanks to @josiegibson85 for being, you!
"A joy to be hosting with a natural host! And all the team behind the show! It's obvious why @thismorning wins all the daytime awards! Hard work pays off!! Loved the opportunity."
Vernon is currently 5/2 according to William Hill.
Holly will return to the show on June 5 after taking a week of annual leave to spend time with her children. In a statement, Phil said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future."
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