Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary will take over presenting duties for Monday's This Morning following the departure of Phillip Schofield.

Schofield, who has been on the morning present for greater than 20 years, mentioned on Saturday that he was stepping back as a result of the programme "has become the story" and "I want to do what I can to protect the show I love".

His co-star Holly Willoughby will stay on the present, however is taking early half-term vacation depart subsequent week. She is predicted to return on 5 June, ITV mentioned.

Hammond, 48, and O'Leary, 49, who already host the present each Friday, will step up and seem on the couch on Monday. Presenters for the remainder of subsequent week are but to be confirmed by the broadcaster.

Both Hammond and O'Leary are frontrunners to completely take over Schofield's position.

Other contenders to take over presenting duties embody The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes and her husband, JLS star Marvin Humes, in addition to acquainted This Morning regulars, Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson and Gino D'Acampo.

Read extra:Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning after more than 20 yearsBrother of TV presenter Phillip Schofield jailed for 12 yearsPhillip Schofield steps down from This Morning: His statement in full

Schofield's final present was on Thursday, after the star confronted months of controversy, together with studies of a rift with on and off-screen good friend Willoughby, his brother's intercourse abuse trial, and criticism over his go to to the late Queen's mendacity in state.

In a statement, Schofield thanked everybody who supported him and mentioned "especially This Morning's amazing viewers - and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month".

The Soap Awards is only one "peak time show" that the 61-year-old will proceed to current for ITV - one other features a new prime time collection, the broadcaster has mentioned.

Viewers shall be used to the disruption of presenters, as Schofield and Willoughby have lately each taken depart from the present.

Schofield took pre-planned depart from the present round his brother's intercourse abuse trial at Exeter Crown Court final month.

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Former civilian police employee Timothy Schofield, 54, was jailed for 12 years on Friday after being convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a baby between October 2016 and October 2019, together with two of sexual exercise with a baby.

While Willoughby was lacking from the present in April due to shingles - a painful rash brought on by the identical virus as chickenpox.