New This Morning hosts 'chosen' by ITV bosses

Virgin Radio

15 Dec 2023, 09:36

A decision has reportedly been made on who will be taking over as permanent hosts on This Morning. 

With long-time presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield both having left the ITV show this year, the hunt has been on to find their replacements, and there have been a number of stand-ins over recent weeks and months.

The likes of Josie Gibson, Emma Willis, Christine Lampard and Rylan Clark have fronted the popular weekday programme, along with Friday faves Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond, but it is now being reported that SMTV star Cat Deeley and Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard are set to land the gig on a full-time basis.

A source has told The Sun: “This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.” 

Describing bosses as being “impressed” with Cat, the source said that Ben is “a consummate professional.”

The insider told The Sun: “He’s an extremely safe pair of hands, has real gravitas, and doesn’t have a whiff of scandal around him — he’s purer than pure.’

Ben has previously guest-hosted the popular show with former host Holly Willoughby. 

The Sun reports that “negotiations are ongoing” and that “the sense is that Ben and Cat will be a real boost to morale on the ground.”

ITV have yet to confirm their This Morning line-up, and when contacted by virginradio.co.uk, a spokesperson said: "We don't comment on speculation."

Cat - who hosted popular ITV kids series SMTV Live with Ant and Dec from 1998 to 2002 - was a guest presenter on This Morning in November. She proved to be popular with viewers, not least because she reintroduced classic game Wonkey Donkey to TV audiences.

During her short stint on the show in November, Cat teamed up with Rylan for two days, before joining forces with Craig Doyle for an episode.

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 at 10am.