For Holly Willoughby’s replacement, This Morning is apparently trying to’recapture the charm’ of Richard and Judy.
ITV executives are reportedly seeking for married couples, such as the GMB host, 67, and Judy, 75, who founded the programme in 1988, to ensure ‘chemistry’ once the 42-year-old leaves.
Among the couples apparently being considered are Emma and Matt Willis, comedian Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper, who recently had their first child together, and Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy.
‘Bosses are determined to get it right so there will be no knee-jerk judgements,’ a source told the Daily Mail. ‘It’s about making the correct pick on which combination have the right chemistry to take the show through to the next period of its 35-year run.’
It has also been stated that This Morning producers have been harassed by celebrity agents in an attempt to get their clients considered for the coveted – and lucrative – post.
A This Morning presenter told the publication: ‘The phones haven’t stopped ringing as television, radio personalities put their names forward to host the show.
‘Every broadcaster, from the world of news, sport, entertainment have been in touch with bosses. Agents have been in contact with ITV bosses to put forward their stars in the hope to take the helm of the two and a half hour daily show.’
Along with two new presenters, ITV executives are reportedly pushing for a ‘full renovation’ of the show, including a renovated set.
‘Holly’s decision to leave has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power at ITV, but the feeling now is that change must be made — and this is the impetus needed.
‘This Morning boss Martin Frizell will continue to lead the charge and is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want — a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors,’ a source told The Sun.
Holly announced her retirement earlier this week, saying that while it will be a “difficult goodbye,” she took the decision for herself and her family.
She also thanked her ITV crew and viewers, writing on Instagram: ‘Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the best company every day.’
ITV head Kevin Lygo stated in a statement shortly after she left that the channel was’sad’ about Holly’s departure but’respect’ her decision.
He went on to say she was a’much-loved part of the ITV family, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future’.
Holly made her debut as a This Morning host alongside Phillip Schofield in 2009.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.