Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway are tipped to be the new permanent hosts of 'This Morning'.

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway are wanted for This Morning

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway are wanted for This Morning

The presenting duo - who currently front 'Good Morning Britain' once or twice a week together - are at the top of producers' wish-lists following Holly Willoughby's departure earlier this week.

Ben has already been filling in as one of the rotating hosts used since Phillip Schofield left the programme in May following his "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much-younger colleague, and show bosses think he and Kate have great chemistry.

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "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."

ITV's head of daytime Emma Gormley is in charge of finding the new hosts, and other names in the frame include married couples Matt and Emma Willis and Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.

It is believed some executives at the channel are pushing for the idea of bringing in relative unknowns to front the show.

Holly announced she was leaving 'This Morning' after 14 years, days after a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged plot to kidnap her.

The 42-year-old star - who has Harry, 13, Belle, 11, and eight-year-old Chester with husband Dan Baldwin - wrote on Instagram: "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."

Holly referenced former presenters, husband and wife duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, who insisted the show belongs to the viewers rather than the stars who inhabit the sofa.

She added: "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 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.

"I will miss you all so much."

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