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Holly Willoughby steps back from This Morning for two month break

Published 16:59 10 Jul 2023 BST

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Signing off as normal on Thursday, Holly told viewers: "See you, bye".

Holly Willoughby is taking a two-month break from This Morning. The presenter typically takes eight weeks off each summer for a break, and it is no different this year despite the controversy surrounding the morning show. Signing off as normal on Thursday, Holly told viewers: "See you, bye". Over the past two months since Phillip Schofield stepped down from ITV after admitting to an affair with a young runner, Holly has been joined by a variety of co-hosts as we await his permanent replacement. Viewers have seen Dermot O'Leary, Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle appearing on the show, with the last being a major hit with This Morning fans. [caption id="attachment_584362" align="alignnone" width="720"] Holly Willoughby

Credit: ITV[/caption]

Craig Doyle a fan favourite to take over This Morning presenting role

Viewers have begun calling for the Irish presenter to take on the role permanently in place of Phillip Schofield. Many are saying him and Holly have "clear chemistry" on screen. Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are to continue their regular presenting slot on Friday. Craig Doyle is currently the main anchor on BT Sport Premiership, European Champions Cup rugby coverage and MotoGP motorcycle racing. The 52-year-old has enjoyed a very lucrative career so far working across the BBC, RTE, ITV and BT Sports for a number of years. In a statement to The Journal, a spokesperson for ITV said it would make further announcements on future presenters of the show "in due course". He said: "In the meantime, we will draw on the This Morning family for presenters to co-present with Holly".