ITV chiefs are ready to offer Holly Willoughby £1million a year to be This Morning’s jewel in the crown.
She makes her big return on September 4.
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Holly Willoughby has landed a bumper pay rise from This Morning bossesCredit: 
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ITV have plans to freshen up This Morning from September after Philip Schofield’s exitCredit: Rex Features
Holly’s bumper pay deal comes as ITV bosses give This Morning added zing with an exciting new makeover.
Bosses are happy to boost their sofa superstar’s salary up to £1million a year — reflecting her key role since co-host Phillip Schofield’s dramatic exit.
Holly, 42, reportedly on £700,000 a year, will be joined by a rotating cast of presenters Monday to Thursday.
She makes her long-anticipated return on September 4, following an eight-week break, and will start alongside viewers’ favourite Alison Hammond for the first two days.
The Sun on Sunday can also reveal ITV chiefs are ploughing in £250,000 to kickstart the relaunch, combining big-name guests with added glitz and giveaways.
A new Glam Van segment will see fashion expert Gok Wan travel the UK to film doorstep makeovers.
A TV source said: “Holly is at the heart of the show’s future and success and ITV execs want her to steer a steady ship out of a rocky year.
“It’ll be a strong start with Alison, kicking off as a dream team.
“Holly’s pay deal is up for negotiation in a few months so they are putting together a lucrative package that will reflect her added responsibility without Phil, and they are prepared to go up to £1million a year.”
The source added of the spruce-up: “They are giving the show a massive push with really positive, fun stories, nothing dark or depressing.
“Producers will splash the cash on showbiz guests, and exclusive human interest stories.
“Viewers can expect lots of glitz and glamour. But Holly will definitely be the jewel in their crown.”
The daytime juggernaut has endured a harrowing summer which left some doubting its future.
In May, stalwart Phil quit after three decades amid the fallout over his affair with a younger colleague.
Holly, who joined 14 years ago, has enjoyed a summer off in Portugal with her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin, and their three children.
A pal added: “Holly is feeling refreshed and relaxed after a wholesome summer with her family.
“She is really looking forward to coming back to work and giving This Morning her all.
“She’s excited by all the new ideas and positivity. She sees the team as her extended family.”
Holly has already forged close bonds with her co-presenters, who also include Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, and Dermot O’Leary.
The TV source said of her partnership with Alison, 48: “Holly really likes her and their friendship off screen has blossomed this year.
“She even invited Alison over to stay at her London home recently.
“They have a real giggle together and great chemistry.”
ITV bosses are keen to expand the presenting roster — and will trial Welsh star Steve Jones alongside Josie next week.
Several other new faces are lined up in the coming months.
Execs also aim to celebrate This Morning’s 35th anniversary in October featuring their classic segments on health, cookery, fitness and pets.
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Alison Hammond will co-host with Holly at first with bosses billing them as the dream teamCredit: Rex
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Gok Wan will also present a new Glam Van segment on the show touring the countryCredit: Rex
An ITV source said: “This Morning is an institution and has won many awards over the years.
“Presenters have come and gone but the values at the heart of the show have been a constant.
“Everyone is really looking forward to a fresh season of feelgood vibes, telling the important stories, plus great tips and advice.”
Gok, 48, will visit four UK cities in his eco-friendly Glam Van to surprise unsuspecting women on their doorsteps with a dream makeover surrounded by friends and family.
A source said: “It’s a really luxurious idea and will have a heart- warming message.
“Gok is a seasoned pro at makeovers and has a brilliant energy. He can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Last week Phil, 61, was seen for the first time since his exclusive interview with The Sun in June, enjoying an evening out with his former This Morning co-star Vanessa Feltz.
They hugged after leaving Little Bird restaurant in Chiswick, West London.
Meanwhile several ITV employees have lodged complaints to Parliament over a toxic work environment.
Past and present staff also allege further bullying and discrimination took place after they raised their concerns with the broadcaster.
ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall faced the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in June after Schofield’s exit.
Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said it has since been contacted by a large number of ITV workers.
In a letter to Ms McCall, made public on Wednesday, she said: “These individuals speak with great pride about working at ITV and are hugely positive about many colleagues.
“However, they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment.”
She added that some had been targeted after coming forward and “in some cases had to leave the organisation with a settlement agreement”.
ITV has separately launched an external investigation into the Schofield scandal and the toxic working culture at This Morning.
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Holly is said to be refreshed after her break and fully of positivity about her return to This MorningCredit: Rex
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This Morning will celebrate it’s 35th birthday next year but is subject of staff complaintsCredit: ITV
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