Dermot O'Leary is reportedly the frontrunner to take over from Phillip Schofield should the presenter opt to leave This Morning.

Schofield has been in the news this week amid rumours of a fallout with co-host Holly Willoughby and the high-profile conviction of his brother for grooming a young boy.

The pair, who have always denied falling out, also hit the headlines last September after they were pictured filing past the coffin of the late Queen through press privileges rather than joining the infamous queue.

Reports have suggested that ITV is considering the future of Schofield as negative publicity continues to swirl around the show, and now The Sun says that execs are considering bringing in O'Leary as a new partner for Willoughby.

"Dermot has become a hugely popular figure on This Morning and he would be the ideal replacement if Phil stepped away," a source claimed to the newspaper.

"Phil's contract is up for renewal at the end of this year and as it stands, there are a number of people working on the show who think it's time for a shake-up.

"It is still a long way off and anything could happen but there is no hiding Dermot's popularity – or his close relationship with Holly.

"Dermot is paired with Alison Hammond now on Fridays but when he stepped in to replace Phil during his recent absence, viewers loved his partnership with Holly.

"He is a good friend to Holly so naturally she would be thrilled if they were able to work together more often."

Other contenders to replace Schofield could include Hammond, Josie Gibson and Rylan Clark.