ITV This Morning's huge revamp with two new hosts after Holly Willoughby exit

12 October 2023 , 06:10

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ITV are said to be planning a major revamp of This Morning

This Morning is gearing up for a "complete revamp" following Holly Willoughby's departure.

The presenter quit the show this week after 14 years, leaving ITV bosses reportedly looking for the "new Phil and Holly". It comes after the show has taken a blow to its viewing figures, falling to around 700,000. Earlier this year the show took a hit when Phillip Schofield left after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger colleague.

It prompted claims of a "toxic" work environment on the show, resulting in an investigation into the culture at This Morning. The show also lost the National TV Awards daytime prize for the first time in 12 years. Holly had been hosting alongside a string of presenters including Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson, rather than having a permanent replacement for Phil. Reports now suggest the current roster of on-screen talent will remain, but two more presenters will be added.

ITV bosses want to 'find the new Phil and Holly' (ITV)

Two untested hosts are reportedly due to take over the show in a redesigned set from January. ITV fan favourite Ben Shephard is said to be one name being considered for the role and will be screen-tested alongside "exciting" female names. An insider told The Sun: “This Morning boss Martin Frizell will continue to lead the charge and is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want — a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors.

“A stream of exciting presenters, from all different walks of life, will meet with execs over the next few weeks until they find a pairing with the perfect chemistry." They added: “The goal is to bring back the chemistry of the show’s halcyon days and get viewing figures back up to the million mark."

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This Morning is said to be keeping its iconic name, amid rumours of a new title. Following Holly's exit, a source told The Mirror: “Until the start of the week, the decision was who would partner Holly and build the show’s reputation back up. They’re back to square one." Another insider said: “No one would have wished for Holly to leave but now the door is open for a completely fresh start.”

What would you like to see Holly do next? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

It has been reported I TV has lost an estimated £20 million in share prices over Holly's departure. In a statement shared on her official Instagram on Tuesday, Holly explained she had made the decision her This Morning had finally come to an end. "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," she posted on Tuesday. "It's been an honour to just be part of its 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."

Holly, who lives in London with husband Daniel Baldwin and their three children, went on to express gratitude to those who have supported her since she joined This Morning in 2009. The bubbly TV personality famously replaced Ferne Britton on the award-winning chatshow, and, alongside co-host Philip Schofield, quickly became one of its most loved presenters.

As This Morning returned to air on Wednesday for the first time after the long-standing host quit, presenters Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes paid tribute to the star.

Opening the show, Rochelle began: "Of course we want to start by sending our love, best wishes, and respect to our Holly."

Craig added: "Last night Holly made what we know would've been a heartbreaking decision to leave This Morning after 14 years."

Rochelle continued: "Holly loved her job here and was really looking forward to the future of the show" the former girlband singer said Holly had decided to put "Holly first". She went on to say Holly was incredibly proud of what she had achieved on the show 'and so are we', adding that 'she will forever be one of us'.

Mia O'Hare