Following the revelation that Ben Shephard will be departing the show to go on This Morning, Good Morning Britain has announced who would replace him.
The popular ITV presenter will join Cat Deeley on the famed couch as replacements for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, who both quit at various stages last year.
Ben spent ten years on GMB, anchoring with Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway.
But fans will be glad to learn that his successor is a recognisable face.
Adil Ray, the Lingo host, wrote a message to X, confirming a regular role.
He wrote: ‘From Friday, I’ll be back @gmb for most Fridays until the end of May. First run is the next three Fridays until the Easter break. Hope you’ll join me.’
From Friday, I’ll be back @gmb for most Fridays until the end of May. First run is the next three Fridays until the Easter break. Hope you’ll join me. In the current climate it feels like a huge privilege to be on morning telly. Would love it if you joined us from 6am. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/C2YD6qiRIY
— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) March 2, 2024
Adil continued: ‘In the current climate it feels like a huge privilege to be on morning telly. Would love it if you joined us from 6am. Thank you.’
The 49-year-old is no stranger to GMB; he briefly replaced Piers Morgan in 2018 before returning the following year.
In addition to his presenting responsibilities, Adil is an actor, comedian, and radio presenter.
He rose to prominence after acting in the BBC One comedy Citizen Khan, which he developed and co-wrote.
Ben and Cat will begin their new jobs on Monday, March 11, with their first show commencing at 10am. Ben will get a lie-in after his 6am GMB start.
Ben hosted his final show with the GMB team on February 23, and it’s safe to say it was an emotional farewell.
He said at the end of the show: ‘It’s not lost on me that I wouldn’t be able to do it if you lot weren’t amazing… The extended family here at GMB, it’s not just us, the team behind the cameras, thank you.
‘Thank you to the viewers as well for trusting me… I can only cope with this because I know I’m not going far.’
GMB’s loss is This Morning’s gain, and new TV partner Cat, 47, is thrilled to collaborate with the Tipping Point star.
‘This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships,’ she said in the original official statement.
‘This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it.’
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX, while This Morning airs weekdays from 10am.
Source My Celebrity Life.