All of the potential replacements for Phillip Schofield on This Morning

Who would you like to see present the show?

Author: Alex RossPublished 22nd May 2023

After 21 years fronting the popular show, Phillip Schofield made the tough decision to step down from his hosting role on This Morning on Saturday 20th May, following weeks of rumours he'd fallen out with co-host and best friend Holly Willoughby.

Phillip released a heartfelt statement to announce his departure, where he confirmed he was stepping down in order to 'save' the show, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary being drafted in by bosses to present this week. As bosses are yet to confirm Phillip's permanent replacement, to host the show alongside Holly, we've compiled a list of potential suitors who may look to have their eyes on the lucrative job.

Who is replacing Phillip Schofield on This Morning?

Check out the rumoured and potential faces who could step in...

Alison Hammond

Alison Hammond is the Friday host alongside Dermot O'Leary, but she's currently one of the favourites to take the full time role.

Dermot O'Leary

He hosts the show on a Friday alongside Alison Hammond, but fans would love to see Dermot O'Leary in a more full time role.

Josie Gibson

As well as being a loved member of the This Morning team, Josie has been promoted to host in recent months during the holidays, alongside Irishman Craig Doyle. And now she's appearing in I'm A Celeb, will she host the show permanently in 2024?

Cat Deeley

After joining Rylan Clark in November 2023 to host the show, fans were calling for Cat Deeley to become a permanent presenter!

Craig Doyle

Craig joined the This Morning team in 2021, presenting competitions before being promoted to a stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson. In recent months, Craig has presented the main show alongside the likes of Alison Hammond, Mollie King, Rochelle Humes, and Holly Willoughby.


Since Phillip's departure, Craig has been presenting the show frequently alongside Holly.

Rylan Clark

Until recently, Rylan Clark was a regular face on This Morning, stepping in to host the show as well as being the showbiz reporter. Now there's a position going, will Rylan leave his radio show to return?

Stacey Solomon

Stacey Solomon is firm favourite at ITV, having been a popular panellist on Loose Women for a number of years. Following Phillip's departure earlier this year, many of Stacey's fans believed she'd hinted she could be about to replace him, after revealing she'd just had 'one of the most exciting meetings of my life.'

Marvin and Rochelle Humes

Rochelle is a current member of the This Morning team and has stepped in to host the show a number of times, and she's also number of other shows alongside her husband Marvin! The pair would be a great fit!

Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford

Former Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and her husband Eamonn Holmes were replaced by bosses by Alison and Dermot, but could they be tempted to return to host the show?

Ben Shephard

Ben Shephard is a regular face on the ITV circuit - not only is he a regular presenter for Good Morning Britain, he also hosts daytime challenge show Tipping Point. He's an official stand-in on This Morning, having hosted alongside Holly in October, so could his role become more permanent?

Davina McCall

Davina is loved by TV fans across the UK, and she's been a regular guest on the show over the years, as well as occasionally stepping in to host.

Christine Lampard

Christine Lampard (née Bleakley) has been a stand-in for Holly Willoughby in the past, and she often presents Lorraine when Lorraine Kelly is off on holiday, meaning she's very well liked at ITV!

Gok Wan

Fashion guru and chef Gok Wan was a huge hit with viewers when he hosted the show alongside Rylan Clark back in 2018, and he's now a regular guest presenter on the show!

Vanessa Feltz

Vanessa Feltz has been a TV personality since 1992 - so she's VERY experienced. Having previously presented the show and often giving advice to callers, she wouldn't be a stranger to the show.

Abbey Clancy

Rumours are rife that TV presenter and model Abbey Clancy is the new favourite to replace Holly. The mum-of-four had a good relationship with ITV, having recently worked with them on Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes.

Hannah Waddingham

Actress and TV presenter Hannah Waddingham has also been thrown into the hat for the role. Known for roles on Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones and this year's Marks and Spencer Christmas advert, as well as presenting Eurovision 2023, Hannah would be a very popular choice.

None of the above names have been confirmed by ITV/STV.

Why did Phillip Schofield leave This Morning?

After weeks of rumours regarding his relationship with co-host Holly, Phillip released a statement on Saturday 20th May to announce he'd made the decision to step down from the show after 21 years.

He wrote on Instagram: '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.

'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.' (sic)

Is Holly Willoughby still on This Morning?

She is! Despite Phillip's departure, bosses confirmed Holly is still the main host of the show.

In a statement after Phillip's departure, Holly, who joined the show in 2009, said: '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.'

Although she's on annual leave for half-term at the moment, Holly will return on Monday 5th June.

This Morning airs every weekday morning from 10am on ITV and STV.

Now read:

This Morning kick off show with tribute to Phillip Schofield

Holly Willoughby's career: From children's TV host to daytime TV queen

17 TV shows we REALLY wish would make a comeback

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