The ITV daytime show, founded in 1988, is currently facing one of the most challenging periods in its history.
The popular ITV morning show This Morning is on the brink of a significant transformation as it prepares for a 'complete revamp' with new hosts following the sudden exit of Holly Willoughby. After 14 years as a beloved co-presenter, Holly made the difficult decision to bid farewell to the show, leaving fans and ITV executives in search of the 'new Phil and Holly.'
This dramatic shift comes in the wake of challenges the show has faced, including a drop in viewership figures to approximately 700,000. Earlier in the year, This Morning experienced a substantial blow when Phillip Schofield departed from the program after acknowledging his involvement in an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger colleague, leading to allegations of a 'toxic' work environment and a culture investigation at the show. Furthermore, the program lost the National TV Awards daytime prize for the first time in 12 years.
What's next for one of UK's most iconic shows?
Since Phillip's departure, a rotating roster of presenters, including Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Craig Doyle, and Josie Gibson, has filled in alongside Holly, but the show had not yet found a permanent replacement. It is now reported by The Mirror that two new hosts will take the reins as This Morning seeks to reinvigorate its format and regain its viewership numbers.
ITV executives are keen to maintain the show's iconic name while reimagining it with fresh faces. Among the potential candidates, Ben Shephard, the popular Good Morning Britain presenter who has recently been a part of This Morning, is being considered for a permanent hosting role. As per The Mirror, he is expected to undergo screen tests alongside several 'exciting' female prospects.
An insider told The Sun that This Morning boss Martin Frizell is dedicated to delivering a warm, upbeat, and feel-good magazine show, guided by the chemistry of the new hosts. They said:
‘This Morning boss Martin Frizell will continue to lead the charge and is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want — a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors. A stream of exciting presenters, from all different walks of life, will meet with execs over the next few weeks until they find a pairing with the perfect chemistry.’
This transformation is seen as an opportunity to infuse new life into a program that has been a fixture in British daytime television since its debut in 1988.
Holly Willoughby's tearful exit amid kidnap drama
The departure of Holly Willoughby from This Morning has sent shockwaves throughout the television industry. After 14 years as a cherished co-presenter, Holly made the emotional decision to leave the program due to alleged concerns of an impending kidnapping and murder plot against her.
In an Instagram post, Holly shared her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of This Morning over the years. Although Holly did not explicitly mention the alleged plot against her, her decision to leave the show was clearly influenced by her family's well-being.
Holly, who lives in London with her husband Daniel Baldwin and their three children, had joined This Morning in 2009, stepping into the role previously held by Fern Britton. Alongside her co-host Philip Schofield, she quickly became one of the most beloved and recognized faces in daytime television.
The departure of Holly Willoughby is another chapter in a series of recent scandals and challenges faced by This Morning. It all began with Phillip Schofield's confession of an affair with a younger colleague, which prompted a series of events, including a culture investigation at the show.
Read more:
⋙ This is how Richard Madeley reacted to Holly Willoughby's shocking departure from This Morning
⋙ Holly Willoughby: What happened to the man who allegedly wanted to kidnap her?
⋙ Holly Willoughby's new career move has This Morning viewers unhappy
⋙ This Morning faces major blow on NTAs, here's how Holly Willoughby reacted
