Major Royal in talks with ITV to join This Morning after Holly Willoughby quit
THE Duchess of York is in talks to join ITV’s This Morning after presenter Holly Willoughby quit.
Sarah Ferguson impressed TV bosses after joining the Loose Women panel to discuss her breast cancer ordeal this year.
The senior royal also appeared on This Morning in March when Holly asked if she would return to the show for a love phone-in.
Holly, 42, was so impressed by Fergie that she invited her to return to This Morning to help viewers with their love lives.
Sarah said at the time: “Holly, I would love to do that maybe when you’re back from your annual leave and the Easter holidays!
“But there’s no question, that is right on topic. We love to love.”
The recent talks come just weeks after Holly left the show following the news that she was the victim of an alleged foiled kidnap plot.
An inside source told the Mirror: “The Duchess was a real hit with ITV bosses on Loose Women, everyone thought she was a natural.
“There is an open invitation for her to return to Loose Women and there is also talk of her doing a guest slot on This Morning or a mini-series for them.
“She has done quite a lot of TV work before – at one point she stood in for Larry King in the US.”
Holly announced her departure from the show in an Instagram post, where she wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much.
“This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.I will not be returning to This Morning.
“Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal so supportive and the very best company every day.
“Richard and Judy said ‘we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers’.
“It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go.
“Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly.”
The Sun on Wednesday revealed that presenter Cat Deeley would be joining the show as a host.
The ex SMTV Live host, 47, will sit alongside Rylan Clark on the famous ITV sofa, as bosses continue to look for a replacement for both Holly and Phil Schofield.
Cat and Rylan, 35, will host together for a week from November 13.
It comes after Rylan proved a hit with This Morning viewers when he fronted the show last week.
A source said: “Cat is seasoned pro and execs have been keen to get her in for a while.
“She takes live TV in her stride and his really witty and personable with guests.
“She is comfortable interviewing both popstars and politicians, so if it goes well she could be a much more permanent solution to Holly leaving. Cat would be safe captain to steady the ship.
“Rylan was a resounding success too so fans can expect to see a lot more of him in the future.”
An ITV spokeswoman said: “Cat Deeley and Rylan will host This Morning together on Monday and Tuesday, Cat will host with Craig Doyle on Wednesday, then Alison Hammond and Craig on Thursday. Alison and Dermot will host the show together as usual on Friday.”
Producers are also keen to invite Cat’s husband presenter Patrick Kielty, 52, to join her on the sofa but he is tied up with hosting duties for the Late Late Show in Nothern Ireland.