THIS Morning may be seeing the return of a beloved face on a more regular occasion if bookies are to be believed.
Following Josie’s confirmation she’s taking an extended break from the series in order to shoot her new luxury travel show, it seems the ITV team are feeling nostalgic with who could replace her.
After teasing the return of an “old friend” on This Morning, and sharing clips of Fern from her time presenting the show, bookies BetFred reckon it’s only a matter of time before she’s brought back into the fold.
Speaking on behalf of Betfred, Showbiz Specialist Kayley Cornelius said: “It may not be long before Fern Britton finds herself back on the This Morning sofa.
“ITV seems to be hinting at yet another shake-up in the show’s lineup, with Josie Gibson expected to take an extended break to pursue other opportunities. This has left many fans speculating about who might step in to fill her spot.”
“Following her successful appearance on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, ITV are likely eager to see Fern make a permanent comeback,” they added.
“Not only would she attract a new fanbase from her Big Brother stint, but she would also rekindle nostalgic memories for longtime This Morning viewers who have followed her career from the start.
“With the likelihood of Holly and Phil’s return looking next to zero, Fern might just be the solution to some of ITV’s ongoing challenges.”
Currently, BetFred have 4/3 odds that Fern will present an episode by the end of the year, with 1/2 odds she’ll present in 2025.
However, they added it’s unlikely she’ll ever return as a main host.
Fern originally begun appearing on This Morning in 1999 and was given the role of lead host in 2002 and was eventually joined by Phillip later in the year.
However, the star quit in 2009 after relations with Phillip soured, and she was replaced by Holly Willoughby.
Following both Phillip and Holly’s hasty exit, it was claimed that This Morning bosses were desperate to get Fern back in some capacity, especially after her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
Josie’s solo show, which will air in three parts, will look at first class airlines, five, six and even seven star hotels and premium airline seats.
The First Class Travel Show has been commissioned by Channel 5 and is expected to air next year.
