Holly Willoughby holds back tears as she gives statement on Phillip Schofield in return to This Morning
Holly was visibly emotional
Last updated 5th Jun 2023
Holly Willoughby held back tears as she discussed her former co-host Phillip Schofield during her return to This Morning. The 42-year-old presenter was back on the ITV 1 show for the first time since details of Phillip's affair with a younger This Morning colleague emerged.
Appearing alongside Josie Gibson, Holly said: "Right, deep breath. Firstly, are you okay? I hope so. It feels very strange indeed sitting here without Phil and I imagine that you might have been feeling a lot like I have - shaken, troubled, let down, worried for the wellbeing of people on all sides of what's been going on. And full of questions.
"You, me and all of us at This Morning gave our love and support to someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved. That is a lot to process and it's equally hard to see the toll that it's taken on their own mental health."
She continued: "I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone. I hope that as we start this new chapter, and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.
"And from my heart can I just say thank you for all of your kind messages and thank you for being here this morning. Myself, Josie, Dermot, Alison, Craig and every single person that works on this show will continue to work hard every single day to bring you the show that we love."
Josie Gibson appeared alongside Holly on today's show as the show rotates co-presenters before a permanent replacement is found. Craig Doyle will be stepping in to host on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Take a look at who may replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning:
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is the Friday host alongside Dermot O'Leary, but she's currently one of the favourites to take the full time role.
Dermot O'Leary
He hosts the show on a Friday alongside Alison Hammond, but fans would love to see Dermot O'Leary in a more full time role.
Josie Gibson
As well as being a loved member of the This Morning team, Josie has been promoted to host in recent months during the holidays, alongside Irishman Craig Doyle. And now she's appearing in I'm A Celeb, will she host the show permanently in 2024?
Cat Deeley
After joining Rylan Clark in November 2023 to host the show, fans were calling for Cat Deeley to become a permanent presenter!
Craig Doyle
Craig joined the This Morning team in 2021, presenting competitions before being promoted to a stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson. In recent months, Craig has presented the main show alongside the likes of Alison Hammond, Mollie King, Rochelle Humes, and Holly Willoughby.
Since Phillip's departure, Craig has been presenting the show frequently alongside Holly.
Rylan Clark
Until recently, Rylan Clark was a regular face on This Morning, stepping in to host the show as well as being the showbiz reporter. Now there's a position going, will Rylan leave his radio show to return?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon is firm favourite at ITV, having been a popular panellist on Loose Women for a number of years. Following Phillip's departure earlier this year, many of Stacey's fans believed she'd hinted she could be about to replace him, after revealing she'd just had 'one of the most exciting meetings of my life.'
Marvin and Rochelle Humes
Rochelle is a current member of the This Morning team and has stepped in to host the show a number of times, and she's also number of other shows alongside her husband Marvin! The pair would be a great fit!
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford
Former Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and her husband Eamonn Holmes were replaced by bosses by Alison and Dermot, but could they be tempted to return to host the show?
Ben Shephard
Ben Shephard is a regular face on the ITV circuit - not only is he a regular presenter for Good Morning Britain, he also hosts daytime challenge show Tipping Point. He's an official stand-in on This Morning, having hosted alongside Holly in October, so could his role become more permanent?
Davina McCall
Davina is loved by TV fans across the UK, and she's been a regular guest on the show over the years, as well as occasionally stepping in to host.
Christine Lampard
Christine Lampard (née Bleakley) has been a stand-in for Holly Willoughby in the past, and she often presents Lorraine when Lorraine Kelly is off on holiday, meaning she's very well liked at ITV!
Gok Wan
Fashion guru and chef Gok Wan was a huge hit with viewers when he hosted the show alongside Rylan Clark back in 2018, and he's now a regular guest presenter on the show!
Vanessa Feltz
Vanessa Feltz has been a TV personality since 1992 - so she's VERY experienced. Having previously presented the show and often giving advice to callers, she wouldn't be a stranger to the show.
Abbey Clancy
Rumours are rife that TV presenter and model Abbey Clancy is the new favourite to replace Holly. The mum-of-four had a good relationship with ITV, having recently worked with them on Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes.
Hannah Waddingham
Actress and TV presenter Hannah Waddingham has also been thrown into the hat for the role. Known for roles on Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones and this year's Marks and Spencer Christmas advert, as well as presenting Eurovision 2023, Hannah would be a very popular choice.
In an interview with BBC's Amol Rajan last week, Phillip said he'd 'lost everything' after admitting to having an affair with a younger colleague. The 61-year-old resigned from ITV and was dropped by his talent agency YMU.
He said he felt 'utterly broken and ashamed' but denied claims he had 'groomed' the man.
Now read:
Alison Hammond breaks down in tears on This Morning as she addresses Phillip Schofield's interview
Holly Willoughby removes This Morning from social media days before her planned return
Phillip Schofield's replacement announced for British Soap Awards