Holly Willoughby has hinted a dog is joining 'This Morning'.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

The blonde beauty is returning to the daytime show after a year away on maternity leave and is very excited about a new "special addition" to the team which she has been waiting a long time for.

She said: "We're getting a special addition to the team, which is very exciting.

"It's something that's never happened before and something I've wanted for a really, really long time and wasn't allowed.

"[Is it a dog?] I can't tell you. Would you like there to be a dog? We'll have to wait and see."

Holly and her co-host Phillip Schofield will see the show undertake a number of changes when they return after the summer break and are thrilled with what's in store for the programme.

Phillip told heat magazine: "I'm looking forward to this September more than I've looked forward to any other. There are some terrific ideas for the show.

"We've got a new editor who's got some great ideas, and we'll have Holly back and a new set and opening titles... I'm just really excited considering I've been there for nearly, ooh, 80 years now."