This Morning fans want Ben Shephard as permanent co-host: 'Best pairing yet'

Another week, another new This Morning co-host for Holly Willoughby - but this time, viewers think the show has finally struck gold and are calling for Ben Shephard to be Phillip Schofield's permanent replacement.

Ever since Schofield's exit from the ITV show in May after details of his affair with a much younger colleague emerged, the seat next to Willoughby has remained open with a rotation of different stars trying out for the role.

On Monday, Good Morning Britain and Tipping Point presenter Shephard took his turn to rave reviews from viewers.

People loved Shephard and Willoughby together as one viewer commented: "So enjoyed seeing @benshephard today. Would love to see him with a regular seat beside @hollywills, worthy replacement of @Schofe."

Someone else added: "Well done today have not been enjoying so much recently but this is the best pairing so far. Please keep Ben!"

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Another fan agreed: "Thinking @benshephard should be made permanent alongside @hollywills on @thismorning. Natural chemistry between them. Much easier to watch."

Willoughby has co-hosted with show regulars including Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, as well as guests such as Craig Doyle since Schofield's exit.

Viewers said they hoped the show's bosses would finally settle on Shephard, as one person commented: "How lovely to have @benshephard presenting on This Morning today. He's such a good presenter & it definitely shows! More of him please!"

Someone else wrote: "WOW what a breath of fresh air on the show today with Ben Shephard everything crossed that he is a permanent presenter on the Sofa."

Another fan added: "I have always liked @benshephard I hope he is here to stay!"

Someone else commented: "What a nice treat watching @benshephard on @thismorning. Can we have more days like today.."

Shephard is usually seen earlier in the day on ITV, hosting Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway.

One viewer commented that they much preferred him to Friday presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, writing: "Just what the show needs the fabulous professional @benshephard. Finally a bit of class, kindness and humour all done with total professionalism #thismorning. Plus he can pronounce words correctly and read an autocue fluently unlike the loud clowns who present on a Friday."

This Morning returned earlier in September for a new season, marking the end of Willoughby's extended summer break, with her co-hosting with Hammond.

However, some viewers called it "painful" to watch and begged for an overhaul of presenters.