Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have been announced as temporary presenters of ITV’s This Morning, following Phillip Schofield’s sudden departure. Schofield stepped down on Saturday after ITV bosses told him the current situation could not continue, amid weeks of damaging news stories.
Schofield had faced extensive coverage of a reported rift with co-presenter Holly Willoughby, criticism for queue-jumping to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, and his brother’s imprisonment for sex offences involving a child. In a statement, Schofield said he agreed to step down to protect the show he loves.
Hammond and O’Leary, who usually co-host the show on Fridays, will take over for Monday’s broadcast. ITV said Willoughby will take an unplanned holiday and return on 4 June, and will co-present with members of the This Morning family until a permanent replacement is found.
Schofield’s departure affects his other roles: ITV confirmed he will still host the British Soap Awards and an unnamed primetime show, but did not comment on his future co-hosting Dancing on Ice. He has also lost endorsement deals with WeBuyAnyCar and Waitrose wine.
