ITV has signed TWO replacements for Holly Willoughby on This Morning as she has been forced off air after catching coronavirus.
The TV host was replaced by stand-in presenter Josie Gibson on Monday morning after being forced to miss last night’s Dancing On Ice semi final.
Host Holly, 41, was struck down with Covid just hours before last night’s live taping of the ITV skating competition.
It meant that she was forced to pull out of her presenting role, and also step back from her regular slot on This Morning today.
Josie, 37, was drafted in as a stand-in today – having previously covered when Holly has been unwell, presenting the show with Phillip last November for three days.
Now, ITV insiders have told The Sun Online that show bosses have prepped TWO other presenters to cover this week.
Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes are both due to stand in for pal Holly until she returns to the show when she is negative for Covid-19.
A source said: “Holly will be missed this week but Rochelle, Alison and Josie are more than capable of stepping in and holding the fort until Holly’s back.”
Last night, Phillip Schofield was forced to present Dancing On Ice on his own after Holly was struck down with coronavirus at the last minute.
Sharing a smiley snap of the two together on Instagram, he wrote: “Gutted that my mate won’t be with me on Dancing on Ice tonight.”
A spokesperson went on to confirm the news about Holly’s absence on Monday morning, sharing hopes she would return for the live final.
They said in a statement: “Unfortunately, Holly Willoughby is unable to host tonight’s show after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Holly returning for the Dancing on Ice Live Final.”
Phil shared an emotional tribute to his friend during last night’s show as he fronted it without her for the first time.
Wearing a black suit, The This Morning host stood on his own and told fans that he would be hosting the show solo.
He looked to the left of him and appeared startled as he informed the viewers at home about his missing co-star.
“As you can see Holly is not here with me tonight,” Phillip said. “We found out just a few hours ago that she’s tested positive for Covid.
“I know what it’s like to watch this show from home, it is really weird. Holly get well soon. Lots of love.”
No replacement stood in for Holly on the skating show, despite Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip when he tested positive for the virus in February 2022.
