Will Holly Willoughby come back to This Morning? ITV host fuels exit rumours - could Alison Hammond take over?

In the wake of Holly Willoughby taking her summer break from This Morning, rumours concerning the presenter's imminent departure have started to circulate.

Eagle-eyed viewers noticed a stark difference in her recent 'farewell' as Willoughby left without saying goodbye to viewers, which has since become a staple whenever she takes a temporary leave of absence. Beloved duo Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary will deputise - despite reports of their 'strained' relationship.

The ITV daytime show has had an unsettled last few months after the Phillip Schofield scandal. The longtime host resigned in May amid rumours of an affair with a younger male colleague.

Schofield was also reportedly embroiled in a heated 'feud' with Holly Willoughby, who was forced to deliver a 'shaken' and poorly-received statement acknowledging the controversy after returning from her Easter time-off. He has since been replaced by Big Brother star Josie Gibson.

But now further uncertainty surrounds This Morning. Here is everything you need to know about Holly Willoughby's status as the host of ITV's flagship morning programme.

Has Holly Willoughby left This Morning?

All that has been confirmed by ITV at this point is that Holly Willoughby is taking her normal summer break from This Morning, meaning she is expected to return once the holidays are over.

It is understood that the host is taking time to focus on her family - which consists of husband Dan Baldwin and their three children Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, 8 - and that she is looking forward to being a "full-time mum".

But uncertainty surrounding her position on the daytime show grew further after an exclusive report by New! magazine which revealed that Holly Willoughby will use this time to 'look to the future'.

An insider told New! magazine: "She appreciates her family more than ever right now… the last couple of months have been really stressful and it’s highlighted for her the importance of family. She will be thinking about the future and making sure her family is priority."

Willoughby will reportedly "assess her priorities" and "decide her next move and her future on the show" after being "left exhausted" by recent events.

Contenders to take over from Holly Willoughby on This Morning

When Phillip Schofield left his role, there were a host of names that were hotly tipped to take over - of which will almost surely be the case in the event of Holly Willoughby's exit. Below is a list of potential candidates:

• Alison Hammond
• Rylan Clarke
• Dermot O'Leary
• Rochelle Humes
• Marvin Humes
• Vernon Kay
• Craig Doyle