DERMOT O’Leary is to be replaced on This Morning for two days running.
In another reshuffle in the aftermath of Phillip Schofield‘s sudden departure, the Friday host will be off-screen Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Craig Doyle will take over alongside Alison Hammond as Dermot takes time out to celebrate his 50th birthday.
A source told The Sun: “Craig’s been brought in to cover Dermot during a week of upheaval for viewers.
“He’s liked by bosses and trusted to be a steady hand alongside Alison.”
Dermot had been drafted in at the last minute to present this week, but already had plans to be off work for the special occasion.
He was surprised with a birthday cake and flowers as confetti rained down on the studio at the end of Tuesday’s episode.
He has lots to celebrate considering he’s been replaced as favourite in the race to replace Phillip alongside Holly Willoughby.
Our insider added: “Dermot’s the favourite to present This Morning Monday to Thursday, but Craig is in the mix to become a regular on the show as a Friday host.”
Following Phillip‘s abrupt exit, ITV have scrambled to plan who Holly will host with when she returns after a two-week break.
Bookies say Dermot‘s favourite to be her new sidekick with 4/6 odds.
Casinos En Linge has Alison at 4/1 odds of replacing Phillip, with Rylan and Rochelle following closely behind.
Devastated Phillip says he is “completely broken” by his axing.
Alison and Dermot paid tribute to him on Monday’s show with a 30-second statement.
Holly wrote on Instagram that the “sofa won’t be the same without him”.
An ITV spokesperson said: “Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV.”
