Abbey Clancy has been named among favourites to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning.
Earlier this month, the popular presenter announced her shock departure from the ITV show after 14 years, after details of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her were revealed.
In a statement, shared via Instagram, the mum-of-three wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.”
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.”
“Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.”
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day,” she continued.
“Richard and Judy said ‘we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’”
“It’s been an honour to just be part of it’s story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much,” she added, before signing off with, “Holly.”
Now, bookies Ladbrokes have revealed a rota of well-known faces who could take over the prime time roll.
Alison Hammond is the 11/10 favourite, but Abbey has odds at 12/1 amid claims This Morning bosses are hunting for a married couple to take over the slot.
A source said of the 37-year-old: “Abbey is great on camera — she comes across confidently and has an affable nature which would prove a hit with This Morning viewers. She’s one of the names that has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Holly.”
MailOnline previously reported that big names such as Davina McCall, Amanda Holden and Graham Norton have been tossed around; however, bosses aren’t ruling out radio presenters, new talent, influencers and podcasters.
Bosses are also eyeing up a married couple to replace Holly, to recreate the “golden years” of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – who co-hosted This Morning from 1988 until 2001.
Couples such as Abbey and her husband Peter Crouch, Joel Dommett and wife Hannah, and Emma and Matt Willis have been mentioned.
A This Morning presenter told the publication: “Bosses are keen to get it right so there will be no knee jerk decisions, it’s about making the right call on which duo have the right chemistry to take the show through to the next era of its 35 year run.”
“The phones haven’t stopped ringing as television, radio personalities put their names forward to host the show.”
“Every broadcaster, from the world of news, sport, entertainment have been in touch with bosses. Agents have been in contact with ITV bosses to put forward their stars in the hope to take the helm of the two and a half hour daily show.”
“This Morning has an incredibly loyal audience and has made household names out of its hosts over the past 35 years it’s been on air.”
“BBC bosses are nervous that some of their top talent may make the leap over to ITV as it’s the golden ticket in television at the moment.”
“So many previous stars including Holly have gone on to have lucrative commercial careers from the day job on the sofa. They are only too aware that from being on the sofa for two-and-a-half hours every day, she launched her own lifestyle brand.”
