ITV deny Phillip Schofield’s ‘in crisis talks’ over return to This Morning | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
Phillip Schofield has been absent from This Morning for two weeks and will reportedly not return for another week as he takes time off over Easter. It’s not unusual for Phillip and his co-star Holly Willoughby to take a break from the ITV magazine show when there are school holidays. Despite reports Phillip’s return is up in the air, ITV confirmed to Express.co.uk he will return “after the Easter holidays”.
Phillip is returning to This Morning on April 17 after a three week break alongside Holly.
But Phillip’s talent agency YMU are said to be keen to see the host back on This Morning as soon as possible.
In the meantime, ITV bosses were reported to have been testing out other presenters such as Joel Dommett and Craig Doyle.
It was also reported they have suggested Phillip take even more time off.
A source told Mirror Online: “YMU’s view was the sooner Phillip was back the better.
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“But ITV offered him the chance to have more time off. They felt a longer break would benefit him as he has been in bits at points over the past few weeks.
“They were also keen to see how audiences responded to other presenters.”
They added as ITV have “a lot of talent” it’s a “good opportunity” to see how viewers react to different presenting duos.
Furthermore, they added there could be a “shake-up” in the future so it’s good to see how hosts work together.
An ITV spokesperson said: “This is untrue. Phil is due to return after the Easter holidays. We don’t comment on speculation around artists’ contracts.”
Next week will see Josie Gibson host This Morning alongside Craig Doyle after Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary took the reins for a week.
Josie is a regular on the ITV show and often presents the Dosh On Your Doorstep segment on Friday’s episode.
Meanwhile, Craig often steps in to present the competitions for ITV shows such as This Morning, Loose Women and Lorraine.
Craig confirmed he would be back on This Morning with Josie when he posted a sweet selfie of the pair on his Instagram story.
He captioned the snap: “Reunited on the This Morning sofa all next week.”
Alison also confirmed the switch around on her Instagram Story, writing: “Thanks to the amazing team @thismorning.
“You truly are the best in the business. Thanks @dermotoleary for being the perfect partner in crime. I had a ball this week.
“Looking forward to passing the baton onto @josiegibson85 and @cragdoyle.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10am.
