When Holly Willoughby announced her departure from This Morning fans were left questioning who would replace her.
Now, Christine Lampard, 44, has emerged as a front-runner for the coveted ITV job, after she stepped in to cover the former host, 42, during her maternity leave.
After 14-years of enormous success alongside Phillip Schofield, Holly stunned ITV executives by walking away from the programme after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was made public in October.
Christine currently stars on Loose Women and as a stand-in for Lorraine Kelly, in the past she has worked for the BBC on Daybreak and The One Show.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Christine is popular with viewers and was a huge success when she covered Holly’s maternity leave.’
Favourite: Christine Lampard, 44, has emerged as a front-runner for Holly Willoughby’s coveted ITV job, after she stepped in to cover the former host, 42, during her maternity leave (pictured on Loose Women this month)
Moving on: After 14-years of success alongside Phillip Schofield, Holly, 42, walked away from the coveted role after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was made public in October (Holly pictured last month)
They added: ‘She’s an ITV talent and very well liked by executives as she’s so hard-working and friendly.
‘She’s an absolute pro when it comes to interviewing and is comfortable with everyone, from politicians to pop stars and takes live TV in her stride.’
MailOnline has contacted Christine’s representative for comment.
Previously, Abbey Clancy was among the favourites to step up and fill Holly’s shoes.
The WAG, 37, who is married to Peter Crouch, is said to ‘be great on camera’ which could prove ‘a hit’ with viewers of the day time television programme
A source has told The Sun: ‘Abbey is great on camera – she comes across confidently and has an affable nature which would prove a hit with This Morning viewers.’
They added: ‘She’s one of the names that has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Holly.’
MailOnline has contacted Abbey’s representative for comment.
When Holly stepped down from This Morning it created one of the most sought-after vacancies in television.
The show now finds itself searching for two long-term replacements and while some well-known names are throwing their hats in the ring, a relatively unknown is also emerging as one of the frontrunners.
On screen: Christine stars on Loose Women and as a stand-in for Lorraine Kelly, in the past she has worked for the BBC on Daybreak and The One Show (picture on Lorraine in August)
New role? Previously, Abbey Clancy was among the favourites to step up and fill Holly’s shoes (pictured on This Morning this month)
Storm Huntley, 36, who presents segments on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine programme, is rumoured to be one of the favourites.
Much like Willoughby – who started her career knee-deep in custard pies and buckets of gunge on kids show Ministry Of Mayhem – her potential replacement also enjoyed a stint entertaining children on CBeebies, having worked on BAFTA nominated show Down On The Farm since 2015.
More recently she has appeared on Channel 5 debate show The Wright Stuff and Jeremy Vine, where she serves as co-host.
The Scottish host has a similarly clean-cut image to Willoughby, documenting her family life with her 15-month-old son Otis and rocker husband, Kerr Okan of indie band The LaFontaines, on social media.
Addressing rumours of her potential This Morning appointment last week, Huntley said on Instagram: ‘Very flattering but I think there may be a scheduling issue there.’
Competition: Storm Huntley, 36, who presents segments on Channel 5 ‘s Jeremy Vine programme, is also rumoured to be one of the favourites
Star: Part-time hosts Alison Hammond is also a fan favourite
Host: Josie Gibson could also step up to fill Holly’s role
Familiar face: Rochelle Humes is another current part-time host who is in the running
A number of people are thought to be in the running for Willoughby’s former role, among them part-time hosts Alison Hammond, Rochelle Humes, Josie Gibson as well as Kate Garraway and Davina McCall.
But PR guru Andy Barr told The Scottish Sun that advertisers would return to the show in their droves should Huntley be awarded the role.
He said: ‘Storm Huntley is fast rising up the bookies odds to make the jump over to ITV’s This Morning.
‘Whilst all the speculation so far pits the job competition being between her and the ever-charismatic Alison Hammond, I do wonder if ITV is going to take the opportunity to give the format a complete makeover and lead with two female presenters to run the show. And why not?’
