Schofield 'will choose Britton replacement'

Phillip Schofield said he will choose who replaces his 'This Morning' co-presenter Fern Britton.

Britton, 51, announced on Wednesday that she was quitting the popular show at the end of the current series after 10 years.

Speculation about her replacement has been rife since the announcement.

Schofield, 46, wrote on his Twitter webpage that he was “swamped” with recommendations about who should step into Britton’s shoes.

“Enough suggestions for co-presenter please. I get to choose! And lovely Fern has 4 months to go!” he said.

Britton yesterday pulled out of hosting the British Soap Awards with Schofield in May.

The presenter, who has denied reports of a rift between them, said: “I’m very disappointed to miss this year’s British Soap Awards but it is sod’s law that I have arranged a big birthday bash on that day for my sister.

“Her children and I have had it planned for about a year and so I absolutely cannot miss it.”

An ITV spokeswoman said it had not been decided whether to replace her with another host or let Schofield do the awards show alone.

Britton will host her last edition of 'This Morning' on July 17 – her 52nd birthday – and said she is looking forward to working on a vegetable plot afterwards.