Holly to replace Fern on 'This Morning' sofa

Holly Willoughby has been named as Fern Britton’s replacement on the flagship ITV daytime show 'This Morning'.

The 28-year-old said presenting the show was “the ultimate dream job” and she was delighted to be reunited with Dancing On Ice co-host Phillip Schofield.

Britton announced her departure from 'This Morning' in March after ten years on the famous sofa, saying she wanted to work on new projects.

Speculation over who would replace the 51-year-old has been rife since she announced she was to quit, with names including Myleene Klass, Melanie Sykes and Kate Garraway all mentioned.

Britton’s final appearance on 'This Morning' will be on Friday – her 52nd birthday – and Willoughby will take up the reins when the show returns after its summer break in September.

“'This Morning' has always been the ultimate dream job for me,” Willoughby said.

“To spend my days sat next to Phil on the sofa just makes it that bit extra special. Now I just can’t wait for it all to start.”

Schofield – who boasted on his website after Britton’s announcement that he would get to choose her replacement – said he was very excited at the appointment.

In an interview earlier this month, Britton rejected rumours she had quit the show after falling out with Schofield because he was being paid more than her.

“Holly is a massive fan of the show, a brilliant broadcaster, a fun person to be with and she proved on the morning she spent here filling in for Fern that as presenter, she completely understands the programme,” he said.

He also thanked Britton for her efforts during a decade on the show.

“'This Morning' is a very close-knit family and I’ve had the most fun of my whole television career with Fern,” he said.

“Friday is a huge day for her, the team and audience when Fern moves from the sofa back to her family and garden.”