Alison Hammond launches herself at Jason Donovan on This Morning
This Morning is reportedly in discussions to make Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard the new presenting duo.
Bosses are said to believe their “close friendship and chemistry” would appeal to viewers.
A source said that current stars Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson are “loved” but “they need someone more heavyweight” after Holly Willoughby stepped down.
It comes just days after she left the show after 14 years, five months after her co-host Phillip Schofield’s exit.
Ben, 48, was rumoured to have already previously been chosen to appear alongside the former, 42, from January.
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Although it is thought he was yet to sign a contract as the show now looks for a female co-host as well.
An insider told The Mail on Sunday: “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.”
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Other names in the frame include Emma and Matt Willis, as well as Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.
The newspaper goes on to say that “some at the top of the channel think that hiring someone unknown would be a better idea”.
Express.co.uk has contacted an ITV spokesperson for comment.
Holly quit the programme four days ago, sharing a statement with her 8.5 million Instagram followers.
It stated: “This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.
“… It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go.
“Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.”
The aforementioned publication added that agents have been putting their celebrity clients forward for the presenting job.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
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