The new presenters for This Morning have been officially ‘confirmed’ to take over from Holly Willoughby in significant agreements

 

It’s been reported that Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are on the verge of securing substantial contracts as the new hosts of ITV’s This Morning. According to The Daily Mirror, they’ve emerged as the frontrunners to take over from Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

ITV executives have been on an extensive hunt for the perfect duo since Holly’s departure after an impressive 15-year tenure. Phillip’s exit, following his admission of an ‘unwise, though not illegal’ relationship with a younger male colleague from the daytime show while still being married, prompted the search for fresh faces to helm the flagship TV programme.

Following the controversy surrounding his departure, several substitutes such as Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Emma Willis, Christine Lampard, Rylan Clark, and Dermot O’Leary were reportedly tested.

Both Ben, aged 49, and Cat, 47, also took their turn at hosting. It seems that they’ve been chosen by the bosses, a decision that could significantly impact Good Morning Britain as they potentially begin searching for Ben’s replacement. The decision might be linked to Ben’s pristine image, which is considered pivotal in his transition between shows.

The new duo is said to be earning a substantial £550,000 each per year. According to a source quoted by The Sun: “This is one of the most sought-after roles in UK television. ITV executives are keen on getting it right. Cat made a strong impression during her audition, and Ben’s professionalism and popularity among the housewife demographic are undeniable.”

Renowned for his unwavering reliability and esteemed presence, Cat stands as a top contender to step into Holly’s shoes, although ongoing negotiations persist. His appointment is anticipated to invigorate team morale, with an official announcement expected within weeks.

Recently, staff from This Morning rallied against what they deemed an ‘unjust pursuit’ that unsettled the show, despite its exoneration from allegations of fostering a toxic environment. Sources expressed relief, albeit without surprise, following the conclusions drawn from the external review conducted by Jane Mulcahy KC.

The programme faced scrutiny from MPs and former contributors such as Dr Ranj, a previous member. However, Ms Mulcahy’s investigation yielded no evidence supporting claims of a toxic atmosphere during the review period.

While scrutinising ITV’s efforts, she found that a thorough investigation had been undertaken in 2019 regarding purported ties between Phillip and a show runner, yet no substantial evidence corroborated the allegations.

ITV executives have previously stated that Phillip and his speculated former partner consistently denied any romantic involvement until his departure from ITV, whereupon an apology was issued. A source from This Morning expressed, “The allegations of toxicity were significantly unjust and amplified by MPs seeking personal recognition. The relief across the board is palpable now that this review has revealed no wrongdoing. The desire to move forward is strong, yet there remains a lingering frustration about recent events.”

Another insider added, “There’s a sense of relief that we can now focus on creating television content, with the debunking of this misinformation.” Dame Caroline Dinenage, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, had previously informed MPs that numerous individuals had approached them with accounts of inappropriate conduct such as bullying and unkind behaviour during their time at ITV.