Following recent news that Phillip Schofield was stepping down from his role as This Morning presenter after two decades, speculation has swirled over which TV star could be taking his place.
The broadcaster revealed over the weekend that he would be leaving the show with ‘immediate effect’ following rumours of a rocky feud behind the scenes.
And with a number of fan favourites already involved with the brunch-time show, ITV bosses will have their pick when it comes to finding their new weekday host to fill their newest opening.
In fact, bookies have already weighed in on who could be in the running for an infamous seat on the sofa – with more than one familiar face in the pipeline.
Who are the bookies favourites to replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning?
According to gambling.com, names such as Joel Dommett (12.5%) and Vernon Kay (13.3%) could be on ITV bosses shortlist to replace Phil – after both have won over fans following their appearance on the TV show.
Meanwhile, show favourites Craig Doyle and Rylan Clark have also appeared on the list, with a probability of 20% and 25%.
But, according to bookies, favourite to take on the iconic presenting role with odds of 5/4 is Dermot O’Leary. The star is no stranger to the sofa, appearing alongside Alison Hammond to present in Phil and Holly’s absence.
And it isn’t only men in the running – with ITV bosses reportedly considering turning This Morning into a female-fronted show.
Regulars Rochelle Humes (25%) and Josie Gibson (33.3%) are both said to be in the running, but ultimately Alison Hammond (47.6%) has found herself taking the lead.
Who definitely won't be replacing Phillip Schofield on This Morning?
But despite some familiar faces appearing on the bookies list, a few appear to have shut down any chance of returning to the TV show.
Ex presenter Eamonn Holmes (who fronted the show for 15 years alongside wife Ruth Langsford, before leaving the show in 2022) appeared on the bookies list with 16/1. However, since his former co-star’s departure, Eamonn took to his GB News breakfast show to allege ‘He was sacked. All this nonsense of, “I’ve decided to step down.” I’m sure you did, “Here’s your P45, now step down.”’
Likewise, controversial former Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan has ruled out any rumours of him filling Phil’s shows – despite appearing with 10/1 odds.
Piers, who famously fell out with ITV bosses after refusing to apologise on-air over comments made about Meghan Markle during his time as Good Morning Britain, tweeted ‘Thanks to everyone suggesting I might replace Phillip Schofield at This Morning in a Lazarus-like comeback to ITV,’ before citing distrust over the Duchess of Sussex as his reason not to return.
For now, Alison and Dermot will take over hosting the show with ITV confirming that Holly has taken an early half-term holiday and will return on Monday 5th June.