Alison Hammond has reportedly “politely declined” the opportunity to front This Morning four times a week following Holly Willoughby’s departure, missing out on a “huge pay rise”.
The TV star has presented the ITV daytime show on and off since 2002 following her stint on Big Brother. Since then, she has won over the nation with her bubbly personality when she landed the job hosting Friday shows alongside Dermot O’Leary.
But over the past six months, TV execs have been on the hunt for a new duo to replace Holly and Phillip Schofield after their explosive exit last year. After the Dancing On Ice host stepped down, the raven-haired beauty, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle as stand in hosts.
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However, reports now suggest that viewers are unlikely to see the TV personality taking over Holly’s former gig after a source alleged that she has “politely declined the job.” An ITV source reportedly told The Mirror: “Alison has long been a favourite with bosses.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“She’s very popular with viewers and celebrities often request her when they appear on the sofa. She’s happy to fill in but has politely declined the job more than once.” Daily Star has reached out to representatives for This Morning and Alison Hammond for a comment.
The news comes after Alison opened up about her future dreams, revealing that she’d been asked on multiple occasions to host her own TV show. Speaking to Woman’s Own magazine, she explained: “I love my job and I’m good at it.
“But I’ve always got plans, things I want to do next. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked for my own show.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“That’s what I want, a show called Alison. It might get to the point where I just make it myself!” But she isn’t the only presenter who has been suggested to take over the coveted hosting gig.
TV presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were previously rumoured to replace Holly and Phil on the daytime show, with the pair set to cash in an eye-watering £550,000 for the gig. Both presenters have had stints on the famous blue sofa and it’s alleged that TV execs were “impressed” by Cat’s abilities while Ben is a “safe pair of hands.”
A source told The Sun: “This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
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“Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with the housewife demographic.” Speaking about the GMB host, they added: “He’s an extremely safe pair of hands, has real gravitas, and doesn’t have a whiff of scandal around him – he’s purer than pure.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
