Olivia Attwood said she is in discussions to become a "permanent fixture" on ITV's This Morning after viewers responded positively to her presenting debut alongside Dermot O'Leary this summer, and she returns to screens on Sunday with the second series of Bad Boyfriends.
The 34-year-old, who told the Daily Mail that ITV had expressed interest in signing her for a longer-term contract, said she felt at ease during her live debut despite early scepticism from some viewers. "As soon as those opening credits rolled I just felt really excited," she said, praising O'Leary for offering on-air and off-air support during the show. She added that scheduling and existing hosts would determine when any regular role might begin.
Attwood has also addressed comparisons to former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, who left the programme in 2023 after 14 years. "Holly is a huge broadcaster, any comparisons to her I find completely complimentary," Attwood said. Viewers had praised her "natural" on-screen manner following her appearance with O'Leary.
Ahead of the launch of Bad Boyfriends series two, Attwood discussed the pressures of live television and her wider work commitments. She said her schedule was "insane" but expressed hope that she would appear on This Morning more frequently when slots become available.
Bad Boyfriends returns on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. on ITV2 and the ITVX streaming service. The format sees long-suffering girlfriends sign up their partners in secret to be tested and guided through relationship issues. In the opening episode, participants are reportedly led to believe they have been cast for a different programme presented by Ibiza Weekender star David Potts before Attwood reveals herself as the true host.
Series two features eight couples confronting problems ranging from commitment issues to infidelity. Among the cast is Shay, a 33-year-old cyber security professional from London who entered the show tired of waiting for a long-term commitment, and Veronica, 25, a receptionist who nominated her semi-professional footballer partner. The series also includes Anthony and Dillon, the first same-sex couple to appear on Bad Boyfriends, which Attwood said was important to her.
Other participants include Izzy, who signed up her 24-year-old boyfriend Max after concerns about his immaturity; Ellie and Dan, the series' youngest couple aged 20 and 22 from Cornwall; content creator Daniella and her partner Akonne, a stripper who Attwood said had shown growth during filming; Mia, a scientist from Manchester whose relationship with roofer Joe had been close to breaking point before production began; and Jacinta, a GP liaison officer whose relationship with Italo is scrutinised on camera. Italo described himself in interviews as a self-confessed flirt and told the Daily Mail he could be a "very bad boyfriend."
Attwood also commented on recent tabloid speculation about her marriage to footballer Bradley Dack after a friend was photographed with his hand on her thigh while on holiday in Ibiza. She acknowledged she and Dack had endured a "challenging" six months due to heavy work schedules and said both partners had made mistakes, adding that long-term relationships required continual work.
A former Love Island contestant, Attwood has expanded into television presenting and reality formats. Her reported discussions with ITV come as the broadcaster continues to adjust This Morning's roster following high-profile departures in recent years. ITV has not issued a formal statement about any new presenting appointments.
Bad Boyfriends airs Sunday at 9 p.m. on ITV2 and will be available on the ITVX streaming platform.