Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will be absent from This Morning over the next few weeks, with bosses confirming who will replace them.
The ITV show has been hit with unexpected absences over the last few months, both due to Covid and both concerning Phillip and Holly. First it was Phillip who contracted the virus, with him missing him over a week of This Morning episodes and a Dancing on Ice live show, with producers having to bring in Stephen Mulhern to replace him.
Then, just weeks after Phillip returned to the studio, it was Holy who was forced out of action for close to two weeks, after she tested positive for coronavirus. It was confirmed by ITV that she had the virus, just hours before the Dancing on Ice semi-final. Given the last minute nature of her drop out, the show didn't have time to bring anyone ese in and Phillip was forced to host solo.
READ MORE: Ant and Dec divide fans with Saturday Night Takeaway guest announcement
The duo were finally reunited on screen last week, with Holly hugging Phillip on screen as she delighted in seeing him again. But, they will now be separated again as they both take a break for Easter.
This Morning has confirmed how the show's hosting line-up will look in their absence. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary will front the daytime favourite all week from Monday, April 4 before Josie and Vernon will host during the following week.
Alison and Dermot will cover the extra bank holiday shows on April 15 and 18, before Phillip and Holly return to screens on Tuesday, April 19.
On making a return to host with Vernon again, Josie said, “I still cannot believe I’ve even hosted This Morning! I feel very privileged, very honoured, and just can’t believe it’s happening to me. I’m very thankful to all the This Morning team for letting me come back and host.
“As for Vernon, when they said I’d be hosting with Vernon again I screamed with excitement! What a legend.”
Vernon added: “I had the most brilliant time hosting This Morning with Josie before Christmas and I’m chuffed to be asked back again. The show is such an institution for many and I’m really looking forward to seeing the team and interacting with the viewers again over Easter.”
