Bookmaker William Hill has confirmed that presenter Dermot O’Leary has become joint-favourite to replace Phillip Schofield on ITV’s This Morning.
The 49-year-old, who has been hosting the show on Fridays alongside Alison Hammond, has proven to be a popular addition to the programme.
But due to the fact that a rumoured feud between long-standing presenters Phillip and Holly Willoughby appears to be brewing, bookies believe that Phillip, 61, could soon be replaced.
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A spokesperson for William Hill said: “With speculation over Phillip Schofield’s relationship with fellow presenter Holly Willoughby intensifying over the past few days, Schofield’s position as host on This Morning is looking more untenable by the day.
(Image: ITV)
“If Schofield were to depart the show, we make Dermot O’Leary the joint 5/2 favourite to assume the role, having already had experience with presenting the Friday edition alongside Allison Hammond.”
The spokesperson believes that I’m A Celeb star Vernon Kay may also have a good chance of becoming the main host from Mondays-Thursdays.
They continued: “Vernon Kay is the alternative 5/2 favourite to take over between Mondays and Thursdays, whilst Rylan (5/1), Melvin Humes (8/1) and Ben Shephard (8/1) are also deemed to be in contention.”
Daily Star has contacted Phillip’s reps for comment.
The news comes after Phillip revealed in an emotional statement that his relationship with Holly hadn’t been easy over the last few weeks.
He told The Sun: “We’re the best of friends — as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone.
“Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.
“The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us.”
Holly has yet to share a response since Phillip’s statement was released and continued business as usual on Thursday’s This Morning.
In March, Phillip took three weeks off the ITV show as his brother Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted of 11 child sex offences.
Following the verdicts, Phillip branded his brother’s crimes “despicable” and said: “As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
“My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family,” the TV veteran said.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
