Northern Ireland beauty Christine Bleakley will not join presenter Phillip Schofield on the This Morning sofa as Holly Willoughby was officially named as Fern Britton’s replacement.

The 29-year-old — known for her winning smile — had previously confirmed she had been |in discussions with the ITV flagship show about replacing Britton, who will quit the show this Friday.

But last night ITV announced that the Dancing on Ice presenter was the new female face of the popular show.

The Newtownards woman had been one in a number of high profile female presenters in the running for the top job, which also included Myleene Klass, Melanie Sykes and Kate Garraway. A former Bloomfield Collegiate head girl, Christine has become one of the UK’s most popular television presenters in recent years.

Her rapport with One Show co-presenter Adrian Chiles since August 2007 has endeared her to teatime audiences.

However, she hinted earlier this year that while she found it “incredibly flattering” to have her name in the frame for the job, she would not be making the move to ITV.

She said: “I am more than happy at The One Show.

“I am definitely a night owl. It is a nice thing to be asked, but I am very happy where I am for the time being.”

Belfast-born Eamonn Holmes and his partner Ruth Langsford, who host This Morning on Fridays, gave their blessing to Willoughby's appointment.

Holmes said: “Holly was our hope right from the start. We think that she'll surprise a lot of people.”

Langsford added: “She's a smart girl with a great personality and lots of empathy, and it makes for a nicely balanced team throughout the week.”

Willoughby, who presented Dancing on Ice with Schofield, will take up the reins when the show returns after its summer break in September.

“This Morning has always been the ultimate dream job for me,” she said.

“To spend my days sat next to Phil on the sofa just makes it that bit extra special. Now I just can't wait for it all to start.”

Schofield said he was very excited at the appointment.

“Holly is a massive fan of the show, a brilliant broadcaster, a fun person to be with and she proved on the morning she spent here filling in for Fern that as a presenter, she completely understands the programme,” he said, thanking Britton for her efforts.