Following Phillip Schofield‘s departure, ITV has named the hosts of Monday’s This Morning.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who regularly appear on Fridays, will host the programme tomorrow (May 22), Metro.co.uk has learned.
Holly Willoughby, 41, is having an early half-term vacation and will return to the couch on June 5.
It has not been confirmed who will join her, although speculation is strong that one of the show’s regulars would take over for Phil.
Both Alison, 48, and Dermot, 49, are betting favourites, as are TV presenters Rylan Clark and Joel Dommett.
Phil’s shocking departure from the programme after 20 years occurred on Saturday (May 20), following weeks of rumours about his and Holly’s long-standing friendship.
According to sources, their friendship was no longer as strong, with them ‘barely conversing’ behind the scenes despite seeming comfortable on camera.
Headlines quickly flew, with claims that Holly herself was about to leave the programme, while Phil, 61, hired lawyers.
But it was Phil who eventually left.
He issued a statement this weekend, ahead of next week’s shows and having already fronted his final gig, explaining his reasons.
‘I have always been happy to cover great topics on This Morning,’ he said on social media of his experience on the show.
‘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.
‘I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.’
Holly responded to Phil’s original post on her Instagram Story, her first reaction since the reports emerged.
‘Hi everyone…’, she began.
‘It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour.’
‘The sofa won’t feel the same without him’, she concluded, suggesting she plans to stay on as host for the forseeable.
According to reports, the once-loved couple has called a ‘truce’ after having peace talks in an attempt to mend their friendship.
‘It’s been a very difficult time for them but they talked about the end of an era and called something of a truce,’ an insider told The Sun.
It was thought that the pair’s alleged conversation took place over the phone.
Source My Celebrity Life.