This Morning's Holly Willoughby could finally get a permanent co-host after Phillip Schofield's exit.
The TV host has been joined by numerous relief presenters over the past few months including Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Josie Gibson. However, it seems bosses have now found someone who has piqued their interest.
As Good Morning Britain and Tipping Point host Ben Shephard stepped in to join Holly on the This Morning sofa earlier this week, he left viewers – and bosses – impressed. Now it looks like they're getting ready to sign him up permanently.
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Plans were initially to have a rotation of co-hosts joining Holly, but now the Daily Mail has reported that they've changed their mind. A source told the publication he did "really well" as Holly's co-host this week.
They said: "Bosses loved his partnership with Holly and there was great feedback from many viewers." They also said it's common knowledge within ITV that Ben is very popular with audiences.
They added: "He and Holly go back years too – he presented on This Morning some years ago and they have a great rapport." Ben previously worked regularly on This Morning between 2005 and 2011 as a relief host for Phillip Schofield.
He later landed his own gameshow and is the sole host of Tipping Point. Ben has also found himself in a regular spot on Good Morning Britain after ITV opted to give Susanna Reid a range of co-hosts after Piers Morgan's axe.
If Ben does land the role, it'll be the first time a permanent hosting duo has appeared on the show Monday to Thursday, in months, with Fridays continuing to be hosted by Alison and Dermot.
Phillip confirmed his departure from This Morning in May after a reported feud with his co-host Holly. Following his exit, he confirmed that he'd had a relationship with a younger member of staff, which he stated he'd lied to ITV, his co-star and management about.
He has since permanently cut ties with ITV and is also no longer the host of Dancing on Ice 2024. Holly's replacement for both shows is yet to be officially confirmed.
Daily Star has approached This Morning for comment.
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