Holly Willoughby made a shocking announcement earlier this week confirming she would be stepping down from her hosting duties on This Morning after 14 years of presenting the flagship programme.The 42-year-old presenter said she was making the decision on Tuesday for the "sake of me and my family" following a difficult few months for the ITV star Phillip Schofield's departure earlier this year.Since the news broke there have been mounting speculations on what iconic duo could be set to replace the pair of long-running hosts with Love Island stars Maya Jama and Laura Whitmore among those tipped to take on a role.The bookies reckon both Maya, who recently rekindled her relationship with Stormzy, and Laura, married to Scots Love Island star Iain Stirling, stand a chance.
Ladbrokes has Laura down at 6/1, while Maya is at 8/1. But it seems a current member of This Morning will likely take on Holly's role, with BonusCodeBets putting favourite Alison Hammond as "evens" and Josie Gibson closely behind at 2/1.A spokesperson for BonusCodeBets told Birmingham Mail: "Holly Willoughby first began presenting This Morning in 2009 and will now permanently step away from hosting duties on the daytime show, leaving a seat on the blue sofa vacant for a new name.
Alison Hammond is the current evens favourite according to the bookies, with Josie Gibson next in the betting."They added, "Outsiders for the role include 33/1 shots Davina McCall and Mel Giedroyc, while a return for Ruth Langsford is also 33/1 and Judy Finnigan is 50/1 to make a comeback."It follows recent reports that Good Morning Britain star Ben Shephard has previously been tipped in the running to replace Phillip Schofield's slot, with ITV bosses "impressed" with his recent
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