Holly Willoughby removes This Morning from social media days before her planned return

She's been taking a break

Holly Willoughby
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 2nd Jun 2023

Just days before Holly Willoughby is set to return to This Morning, the show she had co-hosted with Phillip Schofield for many years, the TV presenter has apparently removed all mention of it from Instagram.

The 42-year-old has been taking an extended break after details of Phillip Schofield's affair and lying were released last month, resulting in Phillip's shock exit from the show, and later ITV as a whole.

Holly started half-term leave early following the news, whilst bosses decided on Phillip's replacement, with the presenter due to return to the show on Monday 5th June.

However, with days before her highly anticipated return, fans have noticed that Holly has removed the show from her bio, listing herself as a 'Broadcaster' along with her lifestyle brand Wylde Moon and partnership with M&S.

Holly has been very quiet on social media since the scandal started, and hasn't posted on Instagram since 18th May, the last day the pair presented the show together.

However, she did release a statement on 28th May saying: 'When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not.

'It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.' (sic)

Earlier that month on 20th May, Phillip released a statement addressing his decision to step down, writing on social media: 'I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

'Throughout my career in TV - including the very difficult last few days - I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.'

Phillip Schofield

He continued: 'I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can't go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.

'So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.

'I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me - especially This Morning's amazing viewers - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.'

However, it was later announced that he would be leaving ITV, after he admitting lying to his friends, colleagues and ITV. As a result, he will not be hosting The British Soap Awards, which are now to be hosted by Jane McDonald.

Most recently, Phillip has appeared on the BBC for an interview where he said he has 'lost everything' after the affair.

A look through who might be replacing Phillip Schofield as the host of 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.

Now read:

Phillip Schofield says he has 'lost everything' after affair

Phillip Schofield resigns from ITV with immediate effect

Phillip Schofield's replacement announced for British Soap Awards

How to listen to Northsound 1:

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.