Holly Willoughby is reportedly set for a massive new pay deal to ensure she stays “at the heart” of ITV Daytime show This Morning.
The star, who has been enjoying a break from This Morning in Portugal, has been hosting with a string of famous faces since Phillip Schofield quit earlier this year.
But as ITV’s golden girl, channel bosses are reportedly ready to offer her a cool £1million to keep her on the famous sofa.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby ‘to host This Morning with familiar face as return date sealed’
It’s reported that the bump in pay is to reflect the key role she’s played on the show since her former friend Schofe’s dramatic exit.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
A source told The Sun: “Holly is at the heart of the show’s future and success and ITV execs want her to steer a steady ship out of a rocky year.”
Holly is set to return on September 4 and it’s believed that she will be fronting the show with fan-favourite Alison Hammond.
But the show is said to be getting a re-vamp too, with Gok Wan taking a “Glam Van” segment around the UK for at-home makeovers.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The source added: “It’ll be a strong start with Alison, kicking off as a dream team.
“Holly’s pay deal is up for negotiation in a few months so they are putting together a lucrative package that will reflect her added responsibility without Phil, and they are prepared to go up to £1million a year.”
The publication also reported that channel bosses are hoping to bring extra glamour to the show with more showbiz guests and human interest stories – “but Holly will definitely be the jewel in their crown”.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Back in May of this year, Phillip quit the show after backlash surrounding his paedophile brother being jailed.
He then stepped down from ITV altogether after his “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger member of the This Morning team was exposed.
Holly, who had been one of Phil’s closest friends, came out and slammed his “deceit” after he admitted he’d lied to everyone about the affair when asked.
Since then, Holly has hosted This Morning with the likes of Alison Hammond, Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
