Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are reportedly set to replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as the new full-time presenters of This Morning.
Both Cat, 47, and Ben, 49, have hosted the show separately in the past, and impressed producers with their on-screen talent.
According to The Sun, pay packets for the new duo is understood to be around £550,000 each — £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.
A source told the outlet: “This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.
“Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with the housewife demographic.
“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.”
“Cat is the number one target to replace Holly, but negotiations are ongoing. Lots of people were considered, but ultimately it’s all about chemistry.
“Everyone is very excited, and the sense is that Ben and Cat will be a real boost to morale on the ground,” the insider added.
Cat is married to Irish comedian Patrick Kielty, who took over the coveted role of hosting The Late Late Show on RTÉ in September.
The couple reside in London with their two children, but Patrick has been travelling over and back to host the show every Friday night in Dublin.
Phillip Schofield announced his sudden exit from This Morning back in May, shortly before he admitted to having an affair with a younger male colleague.
Following the departure of her longtime co-host, Holly had been hosting the show with a rotation of guest presenters.
But in October, Holly suddenly quit the ITV programme, shortly after a man was accused of plotting to kidnap and murder her.
In a statement shared via Instagram, the TV personality wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.”
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.”
“Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.”
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day,” she continued.
“Richard and Judy said ‘we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’”
“It’s been an honour to just be part of it’s 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.”
“I will miss you all so much,” she added, before signing off with, “Holly.”
