This Morning’s Alison Hammond ‘turns down huge pay rise’ to replace Holly Willoughby following shock exit
THIS Morning’s Alison Hammond has apparently turned down a 'huge pay rise’ to replace Holly Willoughby following her shock exit.
The Dancing On Ice star left her long-running role on the ITV sofa show three months ago and has barely been seen on-screen since.
Alison, 48, has become a firm favourite with This Morning fans with her infectious personality since she started as a regular on the programme in 2002.
Dermot O'Leary and Alison previously replaced Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford as they took over duties to host the Friday edition of the show.
She has also been a regular stand-in alongside the likes of Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle as bosses search for the new full-time replacements for 42-year-old Holly and Phillip Schofield, 61.
However an insider said that she is so busy with other TV work that she has politely declined to take on a full-time role.
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A source told : "Alison has long been a favourite with bosses.
"She’s very popular with viewers and celebrities often request her when they appear on the sofa.
"She’s happy to fill in but has politely declined the job more than once."
The Sun has contacted representatives for Alison Hammond for comment.
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The Great British Bake Off host also admitted that she has big plans for her TV future as she wants to front an eponymous show of her own.
She previously told Woman's Own magazine: "I love my job and I'm good at it.
"But I've always got plans, things I want to do next. I can't tell you how many times I've asked for my own show.
"That's what I want, a show called Alison. It might get to the point where I just make it myself!"
This comes after The Sun previously revealed that Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are set for big-money deals to take over the reigns of the long-running daytime show.
The new duo are understood to cash in a pay-cheque of around £550,000 each as a source explained: "Lots of people were considered. Ultimately it’s about chemistry."
49-year-old Ben is best known for his roles Good Morning Britain and as the host of Tipping Point.
His clean-cut image was seen as a factor in him getting the nod — while Cat proved popular during her recent presenting stint.
A source told The Sun: "This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.
"Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with the housewife demographic.
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"He’s an extremely safe pair of hands, has real gravitas, and doesn’t have a whiff of scandal around him — he’s purer than pure."
The source added: "Everyone is very excited, and the sense is that Ben and Cat will be a real boost to morale on the ground."
