Former This Morning presenter to return to show after seven years away

08 December 2023 , 16:56

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Former This Morning presenter to return to show after seven years away

ITV Loose Women host Christine Lampard is to return to This Morning next week after seven years away from the daytime TV show.

The 44-year-old mum of two is set to present the popular ITV show alongside presenter Dermot O'Leary, as celebrities appear to be on a rotation since Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby quit the show. Christine is a regular presenter for the broadcaster as she appears on both Loose Women and fills in for Lorraine while she's on holiday. The star, who is married to former Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard, last presented the show back in 2016 alongside Philip Schofield.

Christine Lampard is to return to This Morning (WireImage)

Christine has not been on This Morning since 2016 (Getty Images for WALLIS)

Phillip resigned from his role after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal affair with a younger male colleague." The latest change of presenters comes after fans demanded that Rylan Clark and Emma Willis be made permanent. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: "This morning is so much better with Emma and Rylan presenting together! They need to be the permanent presenters from now on pls @ITV #ThisMorning."

Another person wrote: "Really hoping @thismorning decide to choose Rylan and Emma as the full-time hosts. They’re the perfect duo and I have honestly very enjoyed watching all week with them. It’s been full of fun, laughs and natural charisma! They would be great for the new year IMO #ThisMorning."

And a third added: "I’ve loved watching Emma and Rylan this week on #ThisMorning great partnership, hope to see them back again soon." "Love Emma and Rylan on #ThisMorning such a nice, natural chemistry. Best duo seen on there for YEARS!! Keep these 2 on permanently," a fourth said.

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Rylan and Emma fast became fan favourites (ITV)

Last month it was reported that Holly was struggling to cope following her shocking announcement that she had quit the ITV show. And confirming speculation, close friend Leigh Francis said that she "wasn't in a good place." Holly quit the show back in September and shared the news with fans on social media when she wrote that it was a "difficult goodbye." But she added that she felt proud to have been part of such an iconic show. She also said she had to make the decision to leave for "me and my family".

Holly's popularity appeared to take a nose dive in September last year following the now dubbed "Queuegate", where she and her former co-host Phillip Schofield, were accused of jumping the line to see the late Queen lying in state. Back in June, Holly suffered another blow when Phillip was axed from This Morning. At the time, Holly was forced to deny she knew anything about the fling. After taking a two-week break following the scandal, she returned to the show and was criticised for a "painful" opening, where she began with, "Hello. Firstly, are you OK? I hope so. It feels very strange sat here without Phil."

Lucretia Munro