Josie Gibson, Steve Jones and Dermot O'Leary on This Morning with ED 'opinion' badge
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Every single Phillip Schofield replacement on This Morning ranked (look away Dermot O’Leary!)

Who's the top dog?!

It feels like ages since Phillip Schofield was on our This Morning screens following his exit in May.

Phil left ITV completely after he admitted to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger colleague.

There’s been several names who have stood in for him on the show alongside Holly Willoughby. From Dermot O’Leary to Josie Gibson, each of the presenters have brought their own spin and glitz to the daytime programme. But who’s been the best?

We’ve seen a range of famous faces host with Holly including Dermot, Josie, Alison and Craig. And for me, there’s one clear favourite. Will you agree?

Craig Doyle and Holly Willoughby on This Morning
Craig is number one! (Credit: ITV)

This Morning: Phillip Schofield replacements

Craig Doyle

For me, Craig takes the top spot as the best replacement for Phillip. He’s just got it. It’s like he’s always been presenting This Morning.

His natural and comedic approach to the show brings a light and fun feel. There’s no awkwardness or dodgy autocue reading from Craig and he’s just refreshing to watch. He seems to bring a ‘new’ feel to This Morning.

In my opinion, him and Holly just equal the perfect hosting duo!

Josie Gibson and Holly Willoughby hosting This Morning
I love watching Josie host This Morning! (Credit: ITV)

Josie Gibson

In second spot – and very close to first might I say – is Josie. The Bristolian babe is a natural in front of the camera and gels well with anyone she’s paired with.

And who doesn’t love female empowerment?! Josie and Holly appear to share a close friendship away from This Morning, so that shines through on screen.

Viewers love Josie too. Many have called for her to become permanent and I’m all here for it!

Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond hosting This Morning
Holly and Alison are a great female duo! (Credit: ITV)

Phillip Schofield replacement: Alison Hammond

Alison has become a staple on This Morning. Becoming the Friday presenter alongside Dermot really boosted her image on the daytime show too.

Alison’s contagious laughter and bubbly personality makes her the perfect fit for This Morning. I mean, how can you not like Alison Hammond? She’s a ray of sunshine! Especially on a gloomy Monday morning.

Seeing her previously host with Holly is also a joy, and it’s clear they share a friendship outside of the studios. At least you know it’s genuine, right?! I’d love to see more of them together.

Ben Shephard sits next to Holly Willoughby on This Morning today
Ben Shephard sits next to Holly Willoughby on This Morning today (Credit: This Morning YouTube)

This Morning hosts: Ben Shephard

Good Morning Britain favourite Ben Shephard hosted with Holly on Monday, September 25. He instantly became a hit with viewers with many asking him to become permanent!

And I do agree. I think he’s a naturally great presenter and a fan favourite no matter what show he’s on.

I could see him and Holly becoming the new This Morning duo (and I think fans would like to see that too!).

Steve Jones talking on This Morning today
Viewers loved Steve! (Credit: ITV)

Steve Jones

Now, Steve hasn’t actually hosted alongside Holly but he’s a new presenter to the This Morning sofa as of August. And he became a hit.

Apart from being a lovely bit of eye candy on the daytime show, Steve is a great presenter and his debut went swimmingly on August 16.

I could easily see Steve joining Holly permanently. But I do need to see more of him to make a complete verdict tbh – something I wouldn’t complain about!

Dermot O'Leary hosting This Morning with Holly Willoughby
Dermot isn’t top of my list I’m afraid (Credit: ITV)

Dermot O’Leary

In final place is Dermot (apologies Derm!). Now, the TV presenter has become a staple on the This Morning sofa since he joined as Friday host alongside Alison. But, there’s a couple of reasons he’s not at the top of my list.

As much as I want to enjoy watching Dermot, I find him a little irritating. His jittering and sometimes OTT questions to guests can become tiresome. While I do think he and Holly host well together (maybe more than him and Alison IMO), I think there’s better stars who gel with Holly.

Soz, Dermot!

Read more: Steve ‘Jump My Bones’ Jones’ scandalous love life: Pamela Anderson, Halle Berry, Sarah Harding and on… and on

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Who’s been your favourite replacement for Phil? Do you agree with me? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)