Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway ‘in talks’ to take over as hosts of This Morning

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway are reportedly in the running for the 'This Morning' hosting gig.

Holly decided to walk away from the show after 14 years when a plot to kidnap her was uncovered earlier this year. Meanwhile, Phillip left after he was accused of having an affair with a young staff member.

Now that the two spots are up for grabs, The Mirror reported that big bosses at the network are looking to pinch Ben and Kate to take over This Morning.

"Ben and Kate are adored by the public when they host together," a source said to the publication, adding, "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."

Ben isn't a stranger to the This Morning studio as he has previously hosted the programme alongside Holly while Phil was unavailable.

The 48-year-old was reportedly due to take on a permanent role beside Holly when they decided they wanted to stop rotating through their existing staff.

Ben and Kate aren't the only ones on the producer's list. It is rumoured names like Emma and Matt Willis and even Patrick Kielty and his wife Cat Deeley are being considered though we doubt he'll defect so soon after taking over The Late Late Show.

According to an insider who spoke to MailOnline, as soon as it was announced that Holly would be leaving her position, ITV bosses received an influx of phone calls from big names hoping they could score a role.

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