This Morning star Dermot O’Leary is said to be set for a new show, without co-host Alison Hammond by his side.
The former X Factor presenter, 50, has taken over our screens in the last year more than usual, as he and Big Brother star Alison stepped in following Phillip Schofield’s exit in May – after admitting his ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair – and Holly Willoughby’s departure months later.
However, their permanent replacements were later revealed to be Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
And after missing out on the top job, it’s now been reported Dermot is hosting his own show.
It’s claimed the radio and TV star is in the early stages of developing a food and drink themed travelogue for ITV, where he explores Ireland, where his parents were raised and returned to three years ago.
A source said: ‘Dermot has always been incredibly close to his parents and very proud of his Irish heritage, having spent many a summer holiday back in the Emerald Isle.’
‘The show would also see him explore another of his great loves — food and drink. And modern Ireland has plenty of both,’ the insider added to The Sun.
‘It’s also a cheeky chance to drop in on his parents while he’s over there.’
Dermot celebrated the arrival of new hosts Ben and Cat earlier this year, congratulating them on social media and writing: ‘Huzzah! Welcome to the fam. X.’
Calling his move to This Morning an ‘honour; Ben said at the time: ‘‘This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.’
He added: ‘For the last ten years, I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat, welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.’
It was meanwhile claimed that Josie Gibson was ‘gutted and hurt’ to not be chosen for the full-time role, while reports said Alison was offered the job, but ‘she was actually the one who didn’t want it’.
‘Alison loves her time on the show but she doesn’t want the responsibility of being the main anchor,’ an insider told OK! magazine.
They pointed out that the TV presenter had ‘multiple things going on’ with The Great British Bake Off and For The Love of Dogs, and she wasn’t ‘worried about being overshadowed’, as she was happy to remain on the Friday show with Dermot.
The informant added: 'The person who is really upset that she didn't get the role is Josie Gibson – she's feeling slighted.
'She was suggested as the new Holly but that didn't happen. She's upset about the decision.'
Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for Dermot to provide a comment.
This Morning is shown on ITV1 from 10am on weekdays.
