Morninggate - Daily Mail: This Morning to make Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard new Holly and Phil

Story from Daily Mail:

This Morning bosses are in discussions to make Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard the new presenting duo on the troubled programme, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

ITV sources say they would be a 'perfect' combination to replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield and that chiefs believe their close friendship and chemistry would appeal to viewers.

Shephard, 48, had already been chosen to star alongside Ms Willoughby on the show from January after executives decided they wanted a new permanent co-host for her rather than using a rotation of their existing staff.

Although Shephard is yet to sign a contract with This Morning, bosses are still keen to hire him but – following Ms Willoughby's shock resignation last week – now need to find him a female co-host.

He and Ms Garraway, 56, whose warmth and intelligence has made her a stand-out star at the channel, already host Good Morning Britain together one or two days a week.

A This Morning insider said: '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 has been put in charge of finding the new team, which she knows she has to get right first time.

Other names in the frame include Emma and Matt Willis, and Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.

However, there are some at the top of the channel who think that hiring someone unknown would be a better idea.

Within minutes of Ms Willoughby, 42, quitting, the phone was ringing off the hook, with agents putting their celebrity clients forward.

Sources at ITV say names from news, sport and entertainment have been in touch as the hunt begins to find her replacement. There have also been pleas from BBC presenters who are keen to defect.

Stars are aware that, as well as the honour of getting the prestigious job, they will also have the chance to build their own lucrative brands. Ms Willoughby sensationally resigned from This Morning after 14 years last Tuesday when an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was exposed.

The mother of three said in a statement: 'It's been an honour to just be part of [the show's] 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.'

ITV say that she is yet to confirm whether she will host its Sunday night show Dancing On Ice when it returns in January.