Daily Mail: Phillip Schofield will be replaced on This Morning for the week

Story from Daily Mail:

Phillip Schofield is set to be replaced on This Morning for a short period next week, and a big name will be taking his spot on the show.

TV personality Alison Hammond, 48, will be replacing Phillip for the week, starting on Monday.

The ITV daytime magazine show is typically presented by Phillip and co-host Holly Willoughby, 42, from Monday through Thursday, with Alison and Dermot O'Leary, 49, taking over on Fridays.

And next week's episodes promise that big stars will be in the studio. However, Phillip, unfortunately, won't be present.

The news of next week's plans was revealed during Friday's episode after Dermot and Alison introduced the upcoming episode of Loose Women.

Alison told the viewers at home: 'On Monday's This Morning, Shirley Ballas will be here as she reveals why her latest project will be more competitive than Strictly.'

Dermot added: 'David Domoney has all you need to know about getting your garden ready for Spring.'

Alison then revealed, 'Guess what, I'm going to be hosting. Monday, 10 o'clock, see you there!'

The presenter swap comes after it was recently revealed that Alison was being lined up as Holly's successor on This Morning.

Speaking to The Mirror, a source revealed: 'ITV bosses are clear they want Holly to return to This Morning next year.'

'But while a question mark hangs over her future, there have been conversations about who could step in if she decided to go.'

The source explained: 'Top of that list is Alison. She has gone from being seen as a safe pair of hands to a real asset to the channel.

Addressing the speculation, an ITV spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on speculation about artists' contracts.'

It comes after ITV bosses reportedly fear Holly Willoughby 'could leave This Morning' after the presenter thought that the queue gate backlash was 'mishandled.'

The TV personality and her co-host Philip Schofield came under fire last year when they were accused of having 'VIP access' to file 'past the Queen lying in state,' skipping the queue, a claim the stars and ITV have both denied.

According to a new report, Holly was 'devastated' by the public reception and the broadcaster's 'decision to remain silent.'

As a result, The Mirror affirms that ITV lacks the 'confidence' they have previously had with Holly's contract, which expires in December.

The broadcaster is said to be working on a 'bumper package' for the presenter in order to keep her with the channel.

A source told the publication: 'The Queuegate backlash was absolutely devastating for Holly, but what made matters worse was the feeling it was mishandled.

'ITV's decision to remain silent before finally issuing a statement was frustrating, as it felt like they were shutting the door after the horse had bolted.

'Bosses know last year was incredibly hard for her, and as such, they are not approaching her contract negotiations with the same confidence as they have previously.'

A source later told MailOnline: 'Holly is a much loved, respected and valued member of not just the This Morning team but the entire ITV family.

'Since Holly joined 14 years ago, This Morning has been part of the national conversation and one of the UK's favourite daytime shows, and as one of the country's foremost and most talented presenters, ITV holds Holly in the highest esteem.'

Additionally, a source close to Holly said she had 'no plans' to leave This Morning.