29 September 2023 , 22:12
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Phillip Schofield's replacement has reportedly been decided by bosses at ITV. Senior staff have been looking for a presenter to work alongside Holly Willoughby on the sofa after Schofield's sensational showbusiness exit earlier this year.
The former TV star admitted to having an 'unwise but not illegal affair with a much younger male colleague. The 61-year-old presenter sensationally quit This Morning back in May amid growing reports of tension between him and co-star Holly.
But as the Schofield scandal dust settles, big channel bosses are thought to have made their decision on Phil's replacement, reportedly going for fan-favourite Good Morning Britain star and occasional This Morning stand-in presenter, Ben Shephard.
Holly and Phil presented This Morning together for years (ITV)Sources say he's a "frontrunner" to officially take over Schofield's job, becoming Holly's permanent co-host as she settles into daytime without Phil. Ben reportedly "impressed" directors years ago when covering for Phil between 2005 and 2011.
"Ben did really well and the bosses loved his partnership with Holly and there was great feedback from many avenues," insiders told MailOnline. "Ben is known throughout ITV as being very popular with the audiences of whatever shows he hosts.
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"He is also trusted by the public and is much loved within ITV. He has hosted so many shows for the channel. He and Holly go back years too – he presented on This Morning some years ago and they have a great rapport."
Despite reports, ITV insists "no such decisions have been made", but a spokesperson did confirm that the network believes Ben is a "popular" presenter ahead of any concrete decision-making. It comes after news that Phil's affair is to be transformed into a new TV drama.
ITV have reportedly picked Ben to replace Phil (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)According to The Sun, deep details of his "unwise" affair will play out in the proposed drama, giving TV fans a new perspective on the scandal. A source said: "A production company has started work and they think the series would be a perfect fit for Channel 4.
"The storyline will reflect what went on. People have seen it from the outside but the drama will give a perspective on what may have occurred behind closed doors. It could make for uncomfortable viewing for Phil and ITV."
The Sun has suggested that the new drama would be titled 'The Runner' and would "mirror how the scandal unfolded" up to the point of Phil being dropped by his management as his career came to a spectacular end.