ITV Reportedly Considers Tess Daly and Vernon Kay for This Morning Hosting Role
ITV executives are said to be eyeing television personalities Tess Daly and Vernon Kay as potential new hosts for the flagship daytime program This Morning. This move is reportedly under consideration in anticipation of the possible conclusion of current hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard's contracts, which are set to expire in the coming spring.
Background and Professional Experience
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, who have been married since 2003, both boast extensive careers in British television. Vernon Kay has hosted a variety of shows, including a notable appearance on ITV's Loose Women during its Loose Men special. Meanwhile, Tess Daly achieved significant acclaim as the host of the BBC's popular series Strictly Come Dancing, a role she held for over two decades before stepping down at the end of the most recent series.
Recent Collaborations and Chemistry
The couple recently co-hosted an episode of The One Show, where their natural on-screen chemistry reportedly impressed ITV bosses. According to a source cited by The Sun, executives were immediately captivated, stating: "It was a total no-brainer the second they saw them on The One Show sofa. Execs have been sweet on Vernon for ages, but the pair's natural husband-and-wife banter made them realise exactly what This Morning has been missing."
The source added that This Morning producers are "obsessed" with recreating the "effortless magic" once brought by the iconic married duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, believing Tess and Vernon could replicate that dynamic.
Fan Reception and Past Work
Fans have praised Tess Daly's presenting skills, with one viewer commenting: "It was so lovely to see you on the TV Tess. I let out an 'ahhhh' when I saw you with your lovely hubby." Another added: "You did great tess, hope you'll be on again soon." This recent collaboration marks the first time in two decades that Tess and Vernon have worked together professionally, though they first met while presenting separate shows—Vernon on Channel 4's T4 and Tess on ITV's SMTV.
They previously co-hosted the BBC singing competition Just The Two of Us in 2006. Reflecting on their relationship, Tess told Digital Spy: "It was all quite immediate, really, because we instantly had such a blast together. I couldn't imagine having more fun with anyone else. It was pretty explosive, I tell you."
Current Hosts and Show Context
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been the primary hosts of This Morning since 2024, taking over after the departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby the previous year. Their contracts are reportedly due to end this spring, prompting ITV to explore potential replacements.
In a recent instance, Tess and Vernon stood in for regular presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp on This Morning, while the usual hosts were occupied filming the BBC's 500 words story competition at Windsor Castle. This opportunity further showcased their compatibility and hosting abilities to network executives.
The Mirror has approached ITV for comment on these reports, but no official statement has been released at this time.
