Schofield 'tells ITV to hire Willoughby'

Rex Features

Phillip Schofield has reportedly told ITV that Holly Willoughby must take over as host of This Morning.

According to The Sun, Schofield insisted that his Dancing On Ice co-presenter is the only person "good enough" to replace Fern Britton on the ITV1 daytime show.

"Phillip has been flying the flag for Holly for a while but hasn't been getting the feeling that anyone was listening," said a source.

"Like everyone else he has been reading in the papers about potential replacements but he's not crazy about any of them. He wants them to make a decision - and appoint Holly."

The 47-year-old has allegedly held meetings with ITV's Peter Fincham about who his new colleague should be.

Davina McCall, Kate Garraway, Emma Forbes, Gaby Roslin and the Duchess of York have all been linked to the post.

Britton, who confirmed that she was quitting in March, will host her last show on July 17.