An insider from ‘This Morning’ shared with MailOnline that the phone lines have been buzzing with television and radio personalities expressing interest in hosting the show.
A diverse range of broadcasters, from the realms of news, sports, and entertainment, have reached out to ITV bosses. Numerous agents have also contacted the network’s executives, putting forward their clients as potential hosts for the daily two-and-a-half-hour show.
‘This Morning’ boasts a dedicated and loyal viewership and has played a pivotal role in elevating its hosts to household names over its 35 years on the air. The high-profile nature of the role has also led to previous hosts, like Holly, branching out into lucrative commercial endeavors.
BBC executives are reportedly anxious that some of their top talent might be enticed to make the switch to ITV, given the current appeal of the network. Many former ‘This Morning’ hosts have gone on to establish successful commercial careers, leveraging their platform on the show. Holly, for instance, used her daily stint on the sofa as a springboard to launch her own lifestyle brand.
ITV’s Managing Director of Daytime, Ms. Gormley, has been entrusted with the task of finding Holly’s successor. While they are exploring familiar faces as potential replacements, they are also open to considering unexpected and fresh talent to revitalize the show in the new year.
Names like Davina McCall, Amanda Holden, and Graham Norton have surfaced as potential contenders. However, Ms. Gormley is not ruling out radio hosts, emerging talent, influencers, or even podcasters as potential hosts. Another intriguing possibility discussed is a married couple format, reminiscent of the golden years of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, with pairs like Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch, Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah, or Emma Willis and her husband Matt being considered.