Huw Edwards wanted to replace Piers Morgan on 'Good Morning Britain'.
Huw Edwards
The 60-year-old broadcaster reportedly approached ITV about joining the daytime show following the departure of Piers - who quit in March over his refusal to apologise over his critical remarks about the Duchess of Sussex's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey - but the talks did not result in a job offer.
Sources told The Times newspaper Huw would have liked to take on the lucrative daytime job while continuing to anchor the BBC's coverage of major national events, such as royal occasions and general elections, though they admitted it was unlikely as high-profile faces are usually contracted to one broadcaster.
Another source told the newspaper that 'GMB' had also considered another BBC newsreader, Clive Myrie, for the job but he accepted the 'Mastermind' presenting role at the same time.
ITV insisted they are currently happy with their presenting arrangements.
A spokesperson said: “GMB is performing well with its established family of presenters and a rotation of guest presenters. There are no current plans to change this format.”
A few months ago Huw admitted he was ready to "re-assess" his role on 'BBC News at Ten' after 18 years.
Huw - who initially hosted 'BBC News at Six' before switching to the later bulletin - said: "I believe a time comes when you’re bound to re-assess what’s in front of you.
"Now a big milestone is here, it’s natural to think, 'Am I going to continue in this job for another five years, or do I want to do something different?'"
Huw still enjoys his role on the news programme, but he also thinks "it’s fair for the viewers to get a change".
He explained: "The nightly news business, after 20 years, that can be taxing – even though I still enjoy the job. But I don’t think I’ll be doing that for long.
"In the first place, I think it’s fair for the viewers to get a change.
"Secondly, I have co-workers who are very talented. It’s time to give them a chance too. And I think it’s an appropriate time to consider what’s ahead."
Huw didn't put a specific date on his exit, but suggested that his departure could come in the next few years.
The journalist - who lives in London with his BBC producer wife Vicky Flind - said: "I won’t disappear tomorrow because I’m still enjoying myself. But, of course, I’m thinking about the working patterns of the future. And the truth is I don’t want to sustain these working patterns for a long time to come because I don’t believe it’s a very wise thing at all."
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