Holly Willoughby 's Celebrity Juice job still up for grabs as "no-one" has been lined up to takeover yet as Keith Lemon blamed the coronavirus for "ruining" her big send off.
Her co-star Keith has revealed he knew about her departure a week before she announced it, but managed to keep it secret.
He's went on to insist ITV bosses have not approached any other stars about taking over, amid rumours actress Michelle Keegan has been lined up for the job.
The comedy character, played by Leigh Francis, appeared on Mark Wright's Instagram Stories this week and was asked about Holly's news.
He said: "[It was a] shocker. She told me last week so I knew when we were doing the lockdown Juices, but I didn't want to bring down the joy.
"Gotta keep it joyful, I guess.... Who is taking her place? No one yet.
"I was quite humoured by news of the bookies saying who is up for it. No one is yet. I’ve not had any meetings about it yet."
He went on to blame the coronavirus for ruining Holly's exit - as they weren't able to film a proper last show with her, but they are going to show a tribute episode featuring her best bits.
Keith went on: "So we got the last one this week, which was filmed on my birthday so that was quite boozy. Matt Goss got totally naked apart from a sock. This Thursday.
"Next week it’s a compilation show looking back all of Celebrity Juice, including Holly’s best bits, with Holly, Mel B, John Barrowman and your friend Mr. Essex [Joey Essex]. It’s a farewell to Holly...
"It’s a shame it wasn’t in the studio [her last show], but lockdown ruined the world. "
Keith insisted that although he's sad to see Holly go, he's sure he'll get over it - like he did when fellow team captain Fearne Cotton left in 2018.
He went on: "I was gutted when Fearne left. If anyone leaves who you like a lot, love a lot, you're upset aren’t ya? but we are all adults aren’t we?."
Holly confirmed her exit in a statement, thank her co-stars for a fun 12 years on the show.
She wrote: "Thank you @celebjuiceofficial for 12 years of fantastic chaos... I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone. Thank you to you all for watching, we’ve always had the loudest and best audiences...
"It’s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky lucky person... whoever that is, know you are about to get one of the best jobs in telly working with one of comedies finest... @keithlemon."
"Where to begin... I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘I think this might work’... my goodness me it did... three friends, you me and @fearnecotton.
"That is what is at the heart of it.. friendship... I love the bones of you Lemon!
"Thank you for making me laugh for twelve years.
"I’ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check... if I don’t see you through a week or next week or the week after... know you are always in my heart."
