TELLY bosses are reportedly "in no rush" to replace Phillip Schofield on This Morning after screen testing his ITV co-stars.
Viewers may have to wait longer to see the return of Phil and Holly Willoughby as producers continue tests on new hosts.
Schofield, who has been off-air for weeks, is tipped to return on April 17. However, it is believed executives are using their time wisely.
Phil, 61, took time off from the popular morning show in the run-up to his brother Timothy’s trial on sexual assault charges against a young boy.
Timothy, 54, was found guilty last Monday.
Phillip denied knowing of any crime confessed to him and said: “As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother."
It is believed that ITV offered Scofield the chance to continue his absence, in the meantime the show would test the waters with new presenters.
The revolving door of co-presenters who have taken up the role in the absence of Phillip has included Joel Dommett and Josie Gibson.
A source said: "They felt a longer break would benefit him as he has been in bits at points over the past few weeks."
"They were also keen to see how audiences responded to other presenters," they told The Mirror.
However, bosses will undoubtedly be aware that the much-loved duo of Phillip with Holly Willoughby may be something that will be hard to replicate.
The duo are known for their on-set antics, with their fits of giggles and innuendos garnering them legions of adoring fans.
A spokesperson for ITV said: "Phil is due to return after the Easter holidays. We don’t comment on speculation around artists’ contracts."
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