Alison Hammond tipped to replace Holly Willoughby as 10 stars thrown into mix
There's a big favourite to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning in what appears to be a two-horse race.
Holly sensationally quit the show after 14 years tonight, saying she left the ITV programme behind 'for me and my family'. The 42-year-old called time on a decade-and-a-half on the sofa and as she called working on flagship daytime show as an 'honour' before thanking co-workers, viewers and telly bosses.
But it seems her replacement is pretty much certain, if one leading odd compiler is to be believed. ITV bosses have a busy few weeks ahead with Phillip Schofield's replacement still not confirmed months after the shamed star after admitted to an 'unwise by not illegal' affair with a younger male colleague.
Alison Hammond is evens to take her job, with Josie Gibson the second favourite at 2/1. Rochelle Humes is a rank outsider at 10/1 while Lisa Snowden is a 16/1 bet. Amanda Holden - who used to guest-host the show - 25/1 - with Ruth Langsford on offer at 33/1.
Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson are the early frontrunners (ITV)This Morning legend Judy Finnigan's chances of an epic return have been ranked at 50/1. A spokesperson for BonusCodeBets said: “Holly Willoughby first began presenting This Morning in 2009 and will now permanently step away from hosting duties on the daytime show, leaving a seat on the blue sofa vacant for a new name. Alison Hammond is the current evens favourite according to the bookies, with Josie Gibson next in the betting."
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Holly wrote in a statement shared to her Instagram page: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so, so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.
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"Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive.
"To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. "I will miss you all so much."
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, ITV said: "We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make. Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.
"Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously. She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."
It's been a tough 12 months for Holly following a number of This Morning scandals. Last year, she and former co-host Phillip Schofield were accused of skipping the queue to pay their final respects to the late Queen. Then in May, Phillip resigned from This Morning and ITV after admitting he had an affair with a younger former colleague and lied about it.
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