By Elena Salvoni

Published: 17:23 EDT, 11 October 2023 | Updated: 17:27 EDT, 11 October 2023

This Morning is set to undergo a ‘complete revamp’ of its set and will get two new hosts after Holly Willoughby announced her shock departure, it is understood.

Bosses are said to be searching for ‘the new Phil and Holly’ to takeover the flagship morning show in the new year, and will meet with potential presenters ‘until they find a pairing with the perfect chemistry.’

The ailing programme has suffered a ratings decline in the aftermath of Holly’s co-host Phillip Schofield coming off-air after he admitted to an ‘unwise, but not illegal’ affair with a younger male colleague.

The daytime show took a fresh hit yesterday when Willoughby, its star for 14 years, announced via Instagram that she would not be returning to its famous sofa.

A show insider told The Sun: ‘Holly’s decision to leave has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power at ITV, but the feeling now is that change must be made — and this is the impetus needed.

Holly Willoughby, who has hosted This Morning for 14 years, announced via Instagram that she would not be returning to its famous sofa

Familiar faces on This Morning, Including Alison Hammond (pictured with Willoughby) are expected to continue in their roles

Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard has broken his silence on being Phillip Schofield’s replacement on ITV This Morning (pictured with Holly Willoughby)

‘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.’

Other familiar faces on This Morning, including Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson, are expected to continue in their roles, working alongside the fresh talent.

Among the names being touted is ITV star Ben Shephard, who yesterday admitted that he is ‘part of the furniture’ on the show but was unsure what next year holds.

He told The Mirror: ‘What I can tell you is I’m doing some more – 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.

‘So I’m not exactly sure but I’m still very, very much part of the furniture…’

Despite his apparent uncertainty, bosses are reportedly hoping to screen test Shephard alongside some ‘exciting’ female presenters.

Ben has previously acted as a stand-in presenter on This Morning, covering for Phillip between 2005 and 2011. A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Ben did really well and the bosses loved his partnership with Holly and there was great feedback from many avenues.

Ben Shephard, who has previously filled in on This Morning, was quizzed over a possible permanent future on the programme

Phillip Schofield, 61, resigned from ITV earlier this year after admitting to an ‘unwise, but not illegal’ affair with a younger male colleague

‘Ben is known throughout ITV as being very popular with the audiences of whatever shows he hosts. He is also trusted by the public and is much loved within ITV. He has hosted so many shows for the channel.

‘He and Holly go back years too – he presented on This Morning some years ago and they have a great rapport.’

As well as new hosts, the show’s set will be transformed come 2024, The Sun reports. ITV chiefs hope that the fresh set and replacement presenters will rekindle the success of what has long been Britain’s best-loved morning show, protecting jobs.

Share or comment on this article: This Morning ‘will undergo a complete revamp’ after Holly Willoughby’s exit: ITV bosses cast the net to find ‘the next Holly and Phil’ in bid to ‘bring back the chemistry of the show’s halcyon days’

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel