Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard are reportedly being lined up to become the next hosts of This Morning.
Holly Willoughby announced she is stepping down from presenting the daytime TV show after 14 years earlier this week, saying it was an “honour to just be part of its story” but that she feels “I have to make this decision for me and my family”.
In a post to Instagram, she wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.”
Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield left the show earlier this year after he admitted to having a relationship with a younger male former colleague.
There has been much speculation about who will take up the reigns of the award-winning ITV show with hosts including Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary gaining praise from viewers.
However, it is now been reported ITV is considering poaching ‘perfect’ combination Kate and Ben from GMB.
Ben, 48, has already presented This Morning alongside Holly while Kate, 56, is a seasoned journalist, impressing viewers with shows including Kate Garraway’s Life Stories.
Speaking about the possibility of the pair fronting This Morning, a source said: “Ben and Kate are adored by the public when they host together. Fans love them. While the bosses love Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, they know they need someone more heavyweight. Kate is a journalist yet is also funny and warm.”
ITV’s head of daytime Emma Gormley has reportedly been put in charge of finding the new team. Other names in the frame include Emma and Matt Willis, and Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.
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