This Morning stars Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have confirmed Holly Willoughby will be returning to the breakfast show amid rumors the mother-of-three could step down as host following the Phillip scandal Schofield.
Holly was on a long hiatus when it was reported that Phillip had an affair with a younger man on the set of This Morning, whom he first met as a teenager. While Phillip left the show after 20 years, Holly’s future was called into question following the news.
WATCH: Phillip Schofield at the center of a turbulent affair This Morning: Timeline
But the real star will return to the ITV show from Monday and it has been revealed that Josie Gibson will be performing with her. A permanent replacement for Phillip is yet to be confirmed.
Over the past few days, Holly has left the UK for a holiday in Portugal with her family and has taken to her Wylde Moon Instagram page to share how to take care of her sun damaged hair. However, she also released a statement regarding Phillip’s admission of his relationship with the crew member, writing: “It took time to process yesterday’s news. When articles about this relationship first appeared, I asked Phil directly if that was true and was told no. It was painful to find out it was a lie.”
Josie will join Holly on Monday
Since then, Phillip has claimed that Holly was unaware of their relationship, telling the BBC: “I sent her a WhatsApp the day I made the statement. I said you don’t have to answer, maybe you can’t, but I want to say I’m very, very sorry.”
He added: “I love Holly. I have always admired her. She is my television sister. I have no problem with her. I want to say to everyone, my family, friends, colleagues, ITV, the public, my agency, whom I have cheated on: I am extremely sorry. But first, I want to apologize to him.”
© Ken McKay/ITV/ShutterstockPhillip has apologized for his actions
The 61-year-old also told The Sun: “I lost my best friend. I let her down. I put the whole program down. I let the audience down. Holly doesn’t know. And that was one of the first messages I sent, to say, ‘I’m very, very sorry for lying to you.’
MORE: Will Holly Willoughby return This Morning from the Phillip Schofield movie – and when?
“She didn’t answer and I understand why she didn’t. That’s right. If anyone links Holly to this in any way; that’s completely, completely untrue.”
© Ken McKay/ITV/REX/ShutterstockPhillip says he contacted Holly
There has been much speculation about who could take on the role of Phillip’s host, with Craig Doyle being a popular choice among viewers. Fans loved Craig’s appearance on the show, with many calling for him to become a regular.
One person tweeted: “Loved Craig Doyle’s dry sense of humor on @ThisMorning, he also asks guests reasonable questions, he is so relaxed that even Alison has calmed down a bit. should definitely be considered for a permanent role (with Josie.)”
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Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education