THE GREAT DEBATE: Should Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard replace Holly and Phil – as it’s revealed This Morning bosses are in talks with them – or is it time for someone new?
In light of the surprise resignation of Holly Willoughby and the downfall of Phillip Schofield, This Morning has provoked a heated debate among fans as to who should replace them on the famous sofa.
As reported by The Mail on Sunday, This Morning are currently leaning towards Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard as new full time hosts. According to insiders, ITV bosses believe their on-screen camaraderie and chemistry make them the dream duo of choice, after a controversial and dramatic year for the daytime show.
Before Willoughby’s abrupt farewell, Shephard, 48, was the chosen newbie to co-host with her starting January. He’s yet to put ink on the contract however, while ITV hunts for a new female partner. When he was paired with Garraway, 56, at Good Morning Britain, the combination was regarded as successful on account of popularity with viewers.
Reportedly, ITV officials see her as the ‘heavyweight’ option, given her journalistic background and amiability. Other contenders for the slot include duos Emma and Matt Willis, and Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.
However in an interesting twist, certain executives at the top advocate for fresh faces, rather than channel regulars.
Last week, our readers submitted a variety of ideal hosts, from current ones like Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, previous hosts Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford, and Richard and Judy, to outsider suggestions like Joe Lycett. Some even jokingly proposed non-human objects like test cards or pot plants to host the UK’s most-loved daytime show.
As talks are underway to possibly secure Garraway and Shephard, the question is – do YOU, our readers back them as the new full-time hosts of This Morning? Judging by the mixed reactions from fans and critics, the jury is firmly out on whether they are the perfect choice for the programme.
Those in favour of the appointment have lauded Ben as a ‘gentleman’ and engaging presenter, while Kate is seen as a warm and genuine figure, with superior credentials as a journalist, compared to other frontrunners.
Detractors, however, had their reservations. Some voiced fatigue over the choice of two already very familiar presenters with pleas for fresh faces instead of the ‘same’ people. Some even advocated for the rotation of different hosts to mix it up a bit!
We want to know if YOU agree that they should be the new full-time hosts of This Morning. Who is your dream presenting duo? Join the conversation in the comments
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