HOLLY Willoughby is to present This Morning without Philip Schofield as he continues to test positive for Covid.

Philip, 59, has been absent from live TV while he self-isolates after announcing he had a positive test last week.

Brighton-born Holly presented last night’s episode of Dancing on Ice with Stephen Mulhern in Philip’s absence.

The Argus: Stephen Mulhern filled in for Phillip Schofield Stephen Mulhern filled in for Phillip Schofield

The star, 40, sent her best wishes to co-host Phillip as she presented the show without him for the first time.

Opening the live show on Sunday night, Willoughby said: “You may have heard Phil is isolating, so for the first time ever he won’t be here this week.

“I know he’s watching at home. We are sending you lots of love Phil.

“However, the lovely Stephen Mulhern has stepped in to save the day.”

The show marked a reunion for the pair after they previously hosted children’s television together, and Mulhern said: “Can you believe it’s actually 16 years since we worked together on kids’ TV?

“Back by no popular demand. This is live so strap yourselves in, this could be a bumpy ride.”

Philip confirmed he was still testing positive on Saturday morning in a post on his Instagram stories, in which he wrote: “Did two tests to be absolutely sure.

“Sorry @dancingonice. Have an amazing show @stephenmulhern it’s so much fun x.”

Earlier this year it was revealed that Holly, who went to Burgess Hill Girls school, had been replaced as the highest-paid woman on British television.

Holly reportedly takes home £730,000 a year for her role on This Morning, according to The Mirror.

However, Susanna Reid has become the highest-paid woman on British TV, having signed a new £1.1m deal to stay on ITV's Good Morning Britain.

The 51-year-old’s previous contract reportedly ended in November.

Susanna first presented GMB in 2014 having left BBC Breakfast. She was paired up with then co-host Piers Morgan the following year.

Piers, from Newick, left GMB in March last year after storming off set following a clash with co-star Alex Beresford after comments made about the Duchess of Sussex during her interview with Oprah Winfrey.

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