12 May 2023 , 22:51
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Former X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary is reportedly lined up to replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning if he gets axed.
Phillip and Holly Willoughby are the main presenters for the ITV show and have been hosting together for many years.
However, it was recently reported that their off-screen friendship was struggling off the air and it prompted Phillip to issue an emotional statement.
He admitted that "the last few weeks haven't been easy for either" of them and he has always been grateful for the support of Holly and everyone around him.
Sources claimed neither Holly nor ITV knew about the sudden statement.
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And now, insiders say that Dermot would be the "ideal replacement" to host the show if Phillip leaves.
"Phil’s contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it’s time for a shake-up," they claimed.
Phillip and Holly's friendship has been struggling, it was reported (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Dermot is reportedly lined up to replace Phillip (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)"It is still a long way off and anything could happen but there is no hiding Dermot’s popularity – or his close relationship with Holly."
They added that viewers were a big fan of Dermot's partnership with Holly when they have the chance to host together.
The source added to The Sun : "He would be the perfect fit should a shake-up happen in the future."
Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.
The TV presenter has continually described Holly as his "rock" during some of the most turbulent times in his life.
In a recent interview, Phillip explained that Holly is always at his beck and call when he needs somebody to talk to about his personal troubles.
Dermot has quickly become a fan favourite (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking to The Sun, he pleaded: "The last few weeks haven't been easy for either of us. My family went through a real ordeal.
"And Holly's support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers."
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Meanwhile, insiders have said ITV and Holly believe that statement has made the situation worse.
Speaking to Mirror, a source said: "By putting this statement out there, he has turned what was a manageable situation into a feeding frenzy. If viewers now no longer believe in the pair, and make their views clear next week, make no mistake, ITV will act."