AJ Odudu has revealed why she won’t be appearing on This Morning after Holly Willoughby confirmed her departure.
Holly announced her resignation earlier this month, saying that while it would be a “difficult goodbye,” she took the decision for herself and her family.
She also praised her ITV staff and followers on Instagram, writing, ‘Most of all, thank you to the amazing viewers. Every day, you’ve been so loyal, supportive, and the finest company.’
ITV head Kevin Lygo stated in a statement shortly after she left that the channel was’sad’ about Holly’s departure but’respect’ her decision.
While no official successor for Holly has been announced, Big Brother presenter AJ, 35, has already ruled herself out of contention.
She told The Sun: ‘I couldn’t cope with the early starts. I don’t do mornings. They have to be there at, like, 8am.
‘I’m a night owl. But of course the idea is flattering.’
With This Morning currently without a regular presenter, executives are rumoured to be considering a ‘total redesign’ in the coming months.
The broadcaster is apparently looking for the ‘new Phil and Holly,’ with untested hosts taking over on a renovated set beginning in January.
‘It has been a turbulent 12 months culminating in a seismic past few weeks,’ a source has now said.
‘Holly’s decision to leave has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power at ITV, but the feeling now is that change must be made — and this is the impetus needed.
‘This Morning boss Martin Frizell will continue to lead the charge and is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want — a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors,’ they added when speaking to The Sun.
They added: ‘A stream of exciting presenters, from all different walks of life, will meet with execs over the next few weeks until they find a pairing with the perfect chemistry.’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
