Vernon Kay has been forced to give up his stint hosting This Morning after catching Covid – and Eamonn Holmes will cover him.
Family Fortunes star Vernon, 47, was due to sit on the sofa alongside Rochelle Humes for a week from August 31.
Vernon – who is married to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly – would have been the latest famous face to fill in during the summer holidays.
Why was Vernon Kay due to be hosting This Morning?
Regular presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby tend to take time off from the daytime ITV show in the summer.
That has also been the case this year. Holly has enjoyed time away with her family and Phil was seen attending the wedding of Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett.
Read more: Alison Hammond urged to return to This Morning as she teases television comeback
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have deputised for the last seven weeks.
Vernon was set to anchor the programme alongside Rochelle for the final days of the summer.
Vernon Kay and Covid
Vernon revealed his Covid woes to The Sun, explaining: “I’m absolutely gutted that because of a positive Covid test I’m no longer able to present on This Morning next week with Rochelle nor do Radio 2 guest hosting and Steve Wright’s cover, two iconic shows which I’ve been a fan of for decades.”
Eamonn Holmes, who has hosted This Morning all summer with wife Ruth Langsford, will come back to cover.
Vernon Kay’s This Morning dream in tatters
Vernon, who came third on last year’s I’m A Celebrity, had indicated the role was a dream job for him.
He said: “This Morning is the daytime go-to show. So to be asked to guest host on a show I’ve watched since its inception is a huge tick for me.
I’m really looking forward to working with Rochelle.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Rochelle and sitting on that famous sofa.”
This Morning’s editor Martin Frizell reflected: “This week will provide a great mix of talent for our viewers.
“Vernon is familiar with being a guest on our sofa but I’m sure he’ll be just as great hosting the show live for two and a half hours too.”
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Who is hosting This Morning on Bank Holiday Monday?
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are the regular Friday hosts – and it seems they will be on hand for the Bank Holiday run, too.
Read more: This Morning: Ruth Langsford in tears during hilarious ‘domestic’ with Eamonn Holmes
Rochelle reacted to the announcement: “I’m so looking forward to hosting with the wonderful Alison Hammond again.
“I also can’t wait to welcome Vernon Kay into the This Morning family.”
Dermot, meanwhile, is expected to contribute live from Manchester, where he will be based in preparation for ITV’s Soccer Aid.
– This Morning airs on ITV, weekdays, from 10am.
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