This Morning's new presenters finally 'confirmed' to replace Holly Willoughby in huge deals
15.12.2023 - 10:49
/ ok.co.uk
Two presenters are reportedly heading for substantial deals as the new hosts for ITV This Morning. Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley seem to have emerged victorious in securing big-money contracts and becoming the fresh faces of the flagship TV show, replacing Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, reports The Daily Mirror.
The decision by ITV bosses comes after intense searching for the ideal pair since Holly decided to part ways with the show following a stunning 15-year run.
Her departure came on the heels of Phillip, who made quite an exit after confessing to having an "unwise, but not illegal" relationship with a young male colleague from the daytime show while still married. In the wake of the controversy around his departure, several stand-ins like Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Emma Willis, Christine Lampard, Rylan Clark and Dermot O'Leary were reportedly tried out.
Both Ben, aged 49, and Cat, 47, also had their stint at hosting, and it appears that they have been chosen by the bosses, a decision that's likely to be a significant blow for Good Morning Britain as they potentially start looking for Ben's successor.
The move could be attributed to Ben's squeaky-clean image viewed as a crucial factor in his shift between shows. The new pair are rumoured to be earning a whopping £550,000 each per year.
A source told The Sun: "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 – Cat is the number one target to replace Holly, but negotiations are
.