Alison Hammond has shown support to her former This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield, amid reports the star could be making his return to TV

This Morning star Alison Hammond appears to have shown her support to Phillip Schofield amid reports the TV star is tipped to return to his former hosting gig.

The disgraced TV presenter quit his role last year following a bombshell confession, where he admitted to an “unwise, but not illegal” relationship with a former colleague. Following a year-long absence from social media, the 62-year-old former Dancing on Ice host returned to posting on his page last month, showing off pictures of his adorable dog Alfie.

Just yesterday (Sunday, 9) the presenter shared another snap of his pooch from his living room, joking: “Not sure where rug ends and Alfie begins!!” Fans were quick to comment on his hilarious post, with one of his followers writing: “Where’s Wally?” Phillip also appeared to have gained the trust of former This Morning co-star Alison Hammond, 49, who liked his post.

The post comes amid reports of poor rating figures for This Morning, as viewers switch off following fan favourite duo Phillip and Holly Willoughby quitting the show. Back in March, it was announced that Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley would be replacing the duo the pair but they have since reportedly “failed to connect with audiences.” Viewing figures are said to have dropped significantly over the last two months, leading to “crisis talks” among bosses and job cuts across the network.

Phillip quit his role last year ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Phillip Schofield broke his social media silence ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wyl)
Viewing figures showed they got off to a good start however interest has since dropped, and in May, peak viewing figures fell to 589,000 – with an average of 486,000, according to The Sun. A spokesperson for This Morning hit back at the claims and told The Mirror: “Ben and Cat have recorded the best audience reach of the year so far on This Morning with 4.5 million viewers across one week.”

However, it has now been said that Phillip’s return could help boost the programme. A PR and crisis management expert has argued that Phil is destined for a comeback in the near future. Ed told The Mirror: “Schofield has always proven himself to be popular. He’s now proven himself to be flexible and disciplined.

“Attributes that will be absolutely crucial for the likes of ITV in the years ahead, and attributes that ITV showed a total lack of in the way that they handled the initial scandal. To put it simply: ITV needs Schofield a whole lot more than Schofield needs ITV.”