Fans are calling for Alison Hammond to replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning

Fans of This Morning reckon they know exactly who the right person to replace Phillip Schofield is after ITV released a statement confirming that he was stepping down from presenting duties.

He'll still be working on other shows for ITV but confirmed that his appearance on This Morning on 18 May was the last time he would be presenting it.

He said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love."

"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."

ITV

With Phillip Schofield gone, all eyes will now be turning towards that vacant spot on the sofa, as Holly Willoughby is staying on This Morning and will likely get a new co-presenter.

ITV have said she 'will co-present with members of the This Morning family', and luckily for the show's producers, fans reckon they have a good idea of exactly who should be doing that job.

There's a lot of names flying around, but one of the most popular choices for the gig is none other than national treasure and perpetual bundle of joy, Alison Hammond.

One fan said she'd be 'the best replacement for Schofield' while another urged ITV to: "Give Alison Hammond the full time slot for This Morning!!!!!"

Someone else predicted we'd soon hear about 'Alison Hammond permanent slot incoming', and a second said she 'should take over This Morning'.

A third tagged her on social media to say 'are you free on Monday bab'.

ITV

While she'd certainly be a popular choice, there are plenty of other names in the running for the spot left vacant by Schofield.

Current odds have Dermot O'Leary as the most popular option to take over with odds of 6/4, but Hammond was the second favourite with her chances put at 13/8.

While most of these shows have a man and woman presenting team, it wouldn't be far-fetched to wonder whether Holly and Alison could be the next duo on the show.

Some fans have suggested that perhaps Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary should be the new flagship pairing as they have 'great chemistry'.