Willoughby favourite for 'This Morning'?

Rex Features

Holly Willoughby is reportedly the new favourite to replace Fern Britton on This Morning.

According to The Sun, Philip Schofield has told ITV bosses that he wants Willoughby to co-present the show with him.

An insider is quoted as saying: "Phil is determined to have a say in who gets the job. It’s no secret he and Fern are no longer best mates. He has a great time doing Dancing On Ice with Holly so the chemistry is there."

Willoughby, 28, who is pregnant with her first child, presents the ITV skating show with Schofield and will host Xtra Factor when it returns to ITV2 later this year.

Other celebrities said to be in the frame to replace Britton when she leaves This Morning later this year include Fiona Philips, Kate Garraway, Myleene Klass and Davina McCall.

Last month, Christine Bleakley turned down an offer to front the show.