Phillip Schofield has confirmed that Holly Willoughby will finally return to This Morning this week. The presenter has been forced off the popular daytime show for more than a week after testing positive for coronavirus on Sunday, March 13, hours before she was due to host the Dancing On Ice semi-finals.
In her absence, Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond have stepped into the main hosting role alongside Phillip, 59. But, he's going to be reunited with his best pal.
Joined by Alison again on Tuesday's edition of the ITV show, he said of Holly: "We're pleased to say that... she's negative and she's back tomorrow." Alison, 47, then burst into song as she belted out: "Celebrate good times, come on!" before Phil laughed and said: "See you tomorrow." But Alison appeared a little let down.
Grinning, Alison said: "Cheers, friend," as she stopped her dancing. Phil then quipped: "I mean, you were expecting a lot for them to catch up with that."
"I wanted confetti, I wanted the works, you know what I mean?" Alison said as Phillip continued to laugh at his co-star's enthusiasm. She then said: "Holly, we're so glad you're coming back!"
But This Morning viewers weren't too impressed by the giggly star and were heading for the remote.
"Oh no, that's enough for me, they are all about themselves... ffs #ThisMorning @thismorning," @MikeJohnson2174 tweeted.
@Christo08457796 said: "I cant be doing with loud pointless laughing. #Thismorning," alongside a GIF of someone switching off the screen with a remote.
"Shows that people will laugh at anything #thismorning," @Sugar_Plum_90 commented. Holly's return comes after Phillip gushed over the 'amazing women' who stepped in to her place while she was stricken with Covid.
Taking to Instagram, the TV presenter shared a picture of himself and Alison which was taken in the This Morning studio last Thursday as the show joined in with the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Stood smiling for the camera with a pint of Guinness in hand, Phillip wrote to his millions of followers: " If it can’t be @hollywilloughby I’m very lucky to have such amazing women to work with, thanks Ali."
Not to leave one of his new sidekicks out, he then posted a photo of himself on Josie enjoying a giggle on the sofa, commenting: " And thank you @josiegibson85."
