Who could replace axed Phillip Schofield on This Morning?

May 22, 2023

So who could replace axed Phillip Schofield on This Morning? The runners and riders who might take over from Phil AND Holly after feud… and who MailOnline readers want to host daytime ITV show

Alison Hammond is bookies’ favourite but a ‘Rylan U-turn could be on the cards’
Other contenders include Dermot O’Leary, Rochelle Humes and Josie Gibson

Phillip Schofield sensationally quit ITV’s This Morning on Saturday after 21 years following a ‘feud’ with his former best friend and co-presenter Holly Willoughby.

After days of reports that Phil faced the axe at the channel, he took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal he had ‘agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect.’

It follows a breakdown of the pair’s friendship, which is said to have begun three years ago and deteriorated when Phil’s brother Timothy Schofield stood trial for sexual offences against a teenage boy.

It is understood Holly was not informed about the trial by Phil and instead she found out the reason he had taken a break from the programme later.

After days of speculation over who would blink first as ITV bosses entered crisis talks, with Holly giving an ‘it’s him or me’ ultimatum.

This saw him leave the show with ‘immediate effect’, as Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary stepped in to fill his role on Monday.

With This Morning viewers now speculating who will replace Phil, MailOnline runs through the potential runners and riders who could take his place….

Who could replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning, according to Ladbrokes

Alison Hammond – 6/4

Alison Hammond (pictured) has been a regular presenter for This Morning and is one of the favourite contenders to take over from Phil

Alison Hammond is tipped as the bookies’ favourite to take Phil’s place on This Morning at 6/4.

After finding fame on Big Brother in 2002, the Birmingham-born TV personality joined This Morning as a showbiz reporter a year later, interviewing numerous celebrities.

Her bubbly personality and ease in front of the camera won over viewers, and in 2021 Alison has co-hosted the Friday slot as well as recently stepped in to cover Phil during his absence.

ITV sources say that she and Holly were regarded as a ‘total joy’ at the channel, which also took note of social media feedback that confirmed the duo were popular with fans too.

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One source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It was a super-clever idea to slot Alison in with Holly, and it worked so well.

‘It was a new dynamic for Holly who has starred with Phil almost every time she has appeared on This Morning for nearly 14 years.

‘The bosses are absolutely delighted with their decision to put them together and want to find ways to do it more often.

‘They see Alison as the future but who thought it would be alongside Holly? It works on Strictly [having two female hosts] so why not on This Morning?

‘While nobody is supposed to discuss Phil and his future at This Morning, obviously since Holly and Alison hosted together, it has become a topic of discussion.’

She also recently hosted the BAFTAs alongside Richard E Grant and it was announced she would be replacing Matt Lucas as co-host on the latest series of The Great British Bake Off.

Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati said: ‘Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘Alison Hammond continues to lead the race to replace Schofield’.

Dermot O’Leary – 7/2

Former The X Factor host Dermot O’Leary (pictured) is a ‘good friend to Holly’ and has been tipped as a frontrunner

Holly’s close friend Dermot, 49, is tipped to be frontrunner to save the programme with a source saying she would be ‘delighted’ to work with him.

The insider told The Sun: ‘Phil’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it’s time for a shake-up’.

‘He is a good friend to Holly so naturally she would be thrilled if they were able to work together more often’.

Dermot first joined ITV show in 2021 and presents the show every Friday alongside Alison Hammond.

The source even suggested a Good Morning Britain style set up may occur, with Holly joined by a rotation of co-presenters.

‘There are so many hugely popular stars who fit well with Holly, from Alison and Josie Gibson, to Vernon Kay and Rylan Clark.

Rylan Clark – 7/2

Ryan Clark (pictured) is another bookies’ favourite to fill in for Phil at 7/2 and hinted he may take over after announcing he was taking a break from his BBC Radio 2 show for a few weeks

Ryan Clark is another bookies’ favourite to fill in for Phil at 7/2 and according to Ladbrokes ‘the latest odds suggest a huge Rylan U-turn could be on the cards’.

Rumours as to whether he could be taking on the role have been swirling since Rylan, 34, announced he was stepping away from his BBC Radio 2 show for a weeks to do ‘other bits and bobs’.

The TV and radio presenter hosts his own show on Saturday from 3pm until 6pm, however the star revealed he will not be on air for the next few weeks.

Revealing he would be taking time away from the show, Rylan told his listeners: ‘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.’

Rylan did not reveal the exact reason he will be taking time away, but it came very close after Phil shared his news about his future on This Morning.

The former X Factor star has previously co-hosted with Holly and other presenters and is a valued member of the This Morning family.

Rylan has a particularly close relationship with former Friday hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, who he refers to as his ‘TV mum and dad’.

Rochelle Humes – 6/1

Rochelle Humes (pictured) stood in for Holly last month when she took time off This Morning due to illness and is also a contender

Rochelle Humes has also been tipped as a potential replacement, with bookies’ odds at 6/1.

The singer, who was catapulted to fame in girl band The Saturdays, regularly presents on This Morning and stood in for Holly last month when she took time off when she was struck down by shingles.

She, alongside husband Marvin Humes, is the co-host of family favourite Ninja Warrior UK which returns for season 5 next year and has also done some presenting on Lorraine.

Bradley Walsh – 7/1

Veteran TV presenter Bradley Walsh (pictured) has also emerged as a potential contender to land Phil’s old job on This Morning

Veteran TV presenter Bradley Walsh has also emerged as a potential contender to land Phil’s old job on This Morning, with bookies’ putting his odds at 7/1.

He first became a household name when he starred as the loveable rogue Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street from 2004 to 2006, and as DS Ronnie Brooks in Law & Order: UK.

He then became a regular on Des O’Connor Tonight which led to a series of sell-out tours around the UK as a stand-up comedian.

He presented ITV’s Wheel of Fortune, and in June 2009 became the long-running host of the popular daytime quiz show The Chase.

Bradley is also set to co-present a BBC reboot of Gladiators with his son Barney this year.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: ‘It’s not out of the realms of possibility This Morning bosses mix things up by bringing in someone like Bradley Walsh, who is clearly loved by ITV viewers.’

Joel Dommett – 8/1

Joel Dommett (pictured) shot to fame after appearing on I’m A Celebrity in 2016 – and has since co-hosted its spinoff show

Joel Dommett is also in the running with his odds at 8/1, according to Ladbrokes.

He began his career as a stand-up comedian but now also works as an actor and TV presenter.

He appeared on I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and came second behind Scarlett Moffatt who was crowned Queen of the Jungle.

Proving to be popular with viewers, Joel was invited to become a co-host of the jungle after show I’m A Celeb: Extra Camp alongside Joe Swash and Scarlett Moffatt.

He is also a regular on ITV’s Celebrity Juice and has presented The Masked Singer since 2019.

The 37-year-old presenter stepped in for Phil earlier this year when he took some time off, much to the viewers delight as many praised him for being ‘natural, real and funny’.

Another person said: ‘Petition to get @joeldommett a permanent spot on #thismorning – I’ve not laughed like this at This Morning in a long time!’

Commenting on what a ‘great pairing’ Joel and Holly made, another said: ‘Maybe this could be long term?’

Josie Gibson – 10/1

Former Big Brother contestant Josie Gibson (pictured) is also being touted to take on Phil’s role with her odds at 10/1

Former Big Brother contestant Josie Gibson, 38, could also be touted to take on Phil’s role with her odds at 10/1, according to Ladbrokes.

First rising to fame in 2010 after entering the Big Brother house, she has since enjoyed a career as a TV presenter including as a showbiz reporter for Channel 5 s how OK! TV.

In 2019, she joined This Morning as a competition announcer but has since become a presenter on the show, filling in for Holly when she is on holiday.

Earlier this year, Josie appeared as the main host of This Morning alongside Craig Doyle after stepping in over the Easter break as Holly and Phil enjoyed a two-week break from TV duties.

Stephen Mulhern – 12/1

ITV presenter Stephen Mulhern has been tipped as a likely replacement due to his long history of presenting with Holly

Previously, Stephen Mulhern was tipped as a likely replacement due to his long history of presenting with Holly.

The pair are thought to be firm friends, having previously hosted Holly and Stephen’s Saturday Showdown from 2004 to 2006.

He has also presented numerous shows for ITV, including Britain’s Got More Talent, This Morning’s Hub and In For A Penny, meaning bosses believe he is a ‘perfect fit’ for the role.

A source told The Sun: ‘Stephen is a perfect fit and gets on brilliantly with Holly.

‘He’s long been regarded as the right man to take over and was sounded out by executives at the end of last year. He told friends he’d jump at the chance.’

It means Stephen would have a busy upcoming schedule, as he is already in place to host a rebooted Deal Or No Deal.

He previously stood in for Phillip on Dancing On Ice in February 2022 after the latter contracted Covid 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, Phillip 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.

Andi Peters – 14/1

TV presenter Andi Peters, with odds at 14/1 is also be in the running

Andi Peters, with odds at 14/1 is also be in the running. He featured on This Morning as part of a guest double act alongside Josie Gibson over the Christmas holidays.

The TV personality also currently stars on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Take Away and hosts the competition segment on Good Morning Britain.

In 2020, Andi stepped into Lorraine Kelly’s shoes over the summer, as he became a temporary host of her eponymous show during her seasonal break.

He stepped in for two weeks, in a move which made him the first man to helm the ITV how in a decade, following Michael Ball’s efforts in 2010.

Marvin Humes – 16/1

Marvin Humes odds to takeover from Phillip Schofield are at 16/1

Marvin Humes rose to fame as member of the boyband JLS, which came runner-up to Alexandra Burke in the fifth series of The X Factor.

The band, who won several MOBO Awards for their breakthrough hit Beat Again, split in 2013 after five successful years.

A year later, Marvin hosted the BBC singing competition The Voice UK with Emma Willis and has also co-hosted the game show The Hit List with his wife Rochelle since 2019.

Marvin made his TV presenting debut with Rochelle when the couple co-hosted This Morning in 2013 and have gone on to become regular stand-in presenters.

They have also co-hosted the BBC’s Children in Need.

In 2020, Marvin made television history when he became the first male presenter on ITV daytime show Loose Women, a rival to This Morning.

Ladbrokes have put his odds to takeover from Phillip Schofield at 16/1.

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