EXCLUSIVE: ITV bosses holding auditions to find the perfect host to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning – with Davina McCall and Kate Garraway top contenders

It’s one of the most coveted roles on British television.

And now ITV bosses have decided to hold live auditions to find the perfect star to replace Holly Willoughby on the This Morning sofa in the coming weeks.

With presenter Josie Gibson, 38, who hosts two or three times a week, heading to Australia to appear on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, executives are taking the opportunity to audition for a presenter who will take over when the program relaunches in the new year.

Sources at the network say they will “test the chemistry and likability” of some potential anchors.

They also say they are primarily looking for a woman as they hope to still sign Ben Shephard, 48, to take over Phillip Schofield’s role in January, as they originally planned to pair him with Mrs. Willoughby.

Front runner: Davina McCall is one of ITV bosses’ top picks to replace Holly Willoughby

Candidate: Kate Garraway is also being considered by bosses to fill the seat

Bosses were delighted with their partnership when they tried out Mr Shephard with her last month.

An insider told the Mail: ‘There will be a mix of different hosts over the coming weeks as bosses screen different contenders, some who have been on the show before and some who haven’t.

‘There is a large existing group of presenters, both male and female, who have performed before, but bosses will also look outside the show to try out potential new faces.

‘It’s an obvious way to test the chemistry, likability and sheer skill of presenters to see if they can make hosting a two-and-a-half hour live show look easy.

“The show requires a solid duo that looks and feels comfortable and has the ability to quickly navigate from the lighthearted moments to the more difficult ones.

‘Bosses have been inundated with suggestions for the next This Morning duo but they will take their time to get it right, but there is huge interest from agents calling on behalf of their clients.’

Frontrunners to replace Ms Willoughby, 42, who quit two weeks ago after 14 years hosting This Morning, are Kate Garraway and Davina McCall.

While the chefs want Mr Shephard to host, they have also considered married couples such as Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty and Emma and Matt Willis, but at the moment it seems unlikely that will happen.

Hosts: ITV executives believe Ms Gibson and Alison Hammond are too lightweight to become main anchors

Claims: It is also considered ‘highly unlikely’ that Rochelle Humes will get the job

Claims that Abbey Clancy and Storm Huntley are being considered for the role are untrue, while senior ITV executives believe Ms Gibson and Alison Hammond are too lightweight to become the main anchors. It is also considered ‘highly unlikely’ that Rochelle Humes will get the job.

Mrs Willoughby quit the show a fortnight ago after learning there was a plot to kidnap her. Her departure came five months after Schofield was ousted following a falling out with her.

It is not yet known whether she will return to ITV to host their Sunday night show Dancing On Ice.