Dermot O'Leary has gone up the ranks in This Morning and is now said to be the favourite to replace Phillip Schofield on the show.

Dermot and Alison Hammond are hosting the ITV show following Schofield's abrupt exit. Holly Willoughby is currently away on holiday but will return to hosting duties after her break. Schofield's shocking exit from the show was announced over the weekend. The broadcaster left This Morning with immediate effect on Saturday, May 20th. In a statement, Schofield said he is leaving because he wanted to protect the show he loves. "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story," he said. Schofield continued, "Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. [caption id="attachment_580959" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Credit: ITV[/caption] "I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on. I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love," he added. "So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month," he added. Now said to be the "favourite", Dermot isn't the only one in the running as Alison is also in with a chance to host alongside Holly every morning. The bookies, Coral, has reported that Dermot has now overtaken Alison as favourite, saying: "Following support in our betting, Dermot O'Leary has jumped to the top of the betting to replace Phillip Schofield permanently on This Morning." With Alison as second favourite, the odds are now sitting at 6-4, with Rochelle Humes also in the running. According to OK! Magazine, Coral's John Hill explained: "Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes are very familiar with This Morning and are strong contenders for the job according to our odds."

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