Holly Willoughby announced earlier this month she was quitting This Morning after 14 years (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
This Morning are reportedly looking to ‘recapture the magic’ of Richard and Judy for Holly Willoughby’s replacement.
ITV bosses are said to be looking for married couples, like the GMB presenter, 67, and Judy, 75, who launched the show back in 1988, to guarantee ‘chemistry’ after the 42-year-old’s departure.
Emma and Matt Willis, comedian Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper, who recently welcomed their first child together, and Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy are among the couples reportedly being eyed up.
A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Bosses are keen to get it right so there will be no knee-jerk decisions, it’s about making the right call on which duo have the right chemistry to take the show through to the next era of its 35 year run.’
It’s also been claimed that This Morning executives have been bombarded by celebrities’ agents in a bid to put their clients in the running for the prestigious -a and lucrative – job.
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.
Bosses reportedly want to recreated the ‘golden years’ of Richard and Judy (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
Matt and Emma Willis are on the list of couples ITV bosses are said to be targeting (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
‘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.’
As well as two new presenters, it’s been reported that ITV bosses are pushing for a ‘complete revamp’ of the show, including a redesigned 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.
ITV bosses reportedly want a married couple to assure chemistry between the two presenters (Picture: Hotsauce/REX/Shutterstock)
Could Joel and Hannah take over from Holly on This Morning? (Picture: Getty)
Holly announced her departure earlier this week and although it was a ‘difficult goodbye’ said she had made 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.’
Soon after she quit, ITV boss Kevin Lygo also said in a statement the broadcaster was ‘sad’ over Holly’s departure but ‘respect’ her decision.
More: Trending
He added she was a ‘much-loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future’.
Holly made her debut as a presenter on This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield back in 2009.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : This Morning fans shocked after hearing Dermot O’Leary brazenly ‘swear’
MORE : Holly Willoughby hinted she’d quit This Morning weeks ago
They are reportedly looking for the next Richard and Judy.
