Who will replace Holly Willoughby? All the front runners tipped to take over on This Morning

Holly Willoughby fans across the nation were left heartbroken yesterday after she revealed that she'd be stepping down from her role at This Morning with immediate effect.

The 42 year old took to Instagram to share the news, and released a heartfelt statement thanking the show and all who works on it. Plus, the "wonderful viewers," who she labelled as "loyal," "supportive" and "the very best of company everyday."

Holly first joined the iconic ITV show back in 2009, and over the last 14 years has cemented herself as a national treasure, not to mention a presenting legend.

However, now that Holly has said her goodbyes, it begs the question: who will replace her?

While there are multiple different presenters already employed by the show, from roving reporters, relief hosts, and of course, the Friday anchor, there's only one spot at the very top.

So, let's take a look at the frontrunners tipped to fill Holly's shoes. From Ben Shepherd to Alison Hammond, who are you putting your money on?

Ben Shepherd

Ben Shepherd has been part of the This Morning furniture for years. While seldom a full time presenter – he's had other responsibilities over the years, including on GMTV and Good Morning Britain – the 48 year old has appeared on the sofa (on and off) since 2005.

Between 2005 and 2011, he was a stand in presenter for Phillip Schofield, and in 2023, he made his more permanent debut when he hosted alongside Holly Willoughby following Phil's departure.

His experience on the show – and his popularity as a presenter – has led fans to speculate that Ben might be the person to take on the job.

However, while speaking to reporters at the Pride of Britain Awards last weekend, he seemed to deflect the rumours, stating that he's only been booked in for shifts here and there over the next few months.

"I'm gonna be doing some more but I'm just helping out really. So I've got some days coming up between now and Christmas," he said.

Alison Hammond

Fans love Alison Hammond for her bubbly and charismatic personality, not to mention her iconic laugh. She started out as a roving reporter on This Morning after appearing in Big Brother back in 2002, and was an instant hit with viewers thanks to her hilarious skits.

From getting Beyoncé to play a game of Connect 4 with her, to accidentally knocking a guest into the Albert Dock live on air, it's safe to say the woman is a legend.

Aside from her classic TV moments, the 48 year old has also proved herself as a serious presenter. From 2021, she co hosted Friday episodes of This Morning with Dermot O'Leary, and in 2023, following Phil's exit, appeared regularly alongside Holly.

Which is exactly why fans are also convinced Alison will be granted the role.

However, the only thing that might get in the way of Alison going full time on This Morning is her recent Great British Bake Off commitments.

The star accepted the co host role in March 2023, when she announced she'll be taking over from Matt Lucas.

Josie Gibson

Josie Gibson is another former Big Brother housemate that has found a career with This Morning. Entering the house in 2010 – eight years after Alison – Josie was picked up by the ITV show in 2019 when she was employed as the resident competition announcer.

However, she soon made her way into the studio and regularly filled in for Holly when she went on holiday. After Phillip's departure, she was then promoted further and has been one of the main hosts of This Morning ever since.

Personality wise, the 38 year old is also loved for her friendly and warm persona, and thanks to her already staple role on the show, it's thought that Josie might be offered Holly's place.

But again, Josie's other commitments might hinder the potential opportunity. For those who don't know, she has reportedly signed up for this year's I'm a Celeb – which, depending on how long she lasts in the jungle, and if she does take part – could see her spending three weeks in the Australian bush.

Probably not the best place to present a major UK daytime show then…

Rochelle Humes

Rochelle also knows what she's doing on the This Morning sofa. The former Saturdays singer joined the show's roster in 2013 with her husband Marvin Humes as stand in presenters. While the JLS star has since retreated from the programme, Rochelle has become a more regular presenter.

Since 2018, she has guest hosted the show alongside a co star. Most recently, it's been Andi Peters, who Rochelle presented with over the summer.

Rochelle also took on a more pressing role in 2018, when she stood in for Holly during her presenting stint on I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! So she's got the experience, and she clearly knows what she's doing.

Lisa Snowdon

Starting her career as a fashion model, Lisa has had her fair share of experience in the presenting world, too.

From hosting Britain's Next Top Model to co presenting Through the Keyhole in 2007, Lisa has also guest presented multiple episodes of popular ITV show, Lorraine.

While she's never had a main presenting job on This Morning, Lisa has been the show's resident fashion expert for some time now. The 51 year old runs the fashion segment of the programme, where she puts together outfits at a high street price.

Thanks to her work on This Morning, it's also made her a solid contender for Holly's role.

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