Richard Madeley has reportedly been confirmed as the new full-time presenter on Good Morning Britain and replacing previous host Piers Morgan.
It is thought that Richard, 65, will appear alongside permanent host Susanna Reid and is believed to be finalising an estimated £300,000-a-year deal to present the ITV morning programme.
However sources claim he will not be paid as much as Susanna, 50, who has been presenting the show since 2015.
According to reports from The Sun, Richard will start his position once he finishes his stint on this year’s series of I’m A Celeb.
It also believed that he is currently negotiating how many days a week he will appear, but is likely he will do two to three days weekly.
(Image: ITV)
Daily Star have approached Richard’s representatives and ITV for comment.
Due to the gaping hole that was left after Piers’ explosive exit in March, journalist Richard reportedly agreed to be a full-time host of GMB after hearing encouraging words from his wife Judy Finnigan.
Since appearing on the early morning show, TV insiders have said his appearances have been received well by viewers which also helped convince him to take on the full-time gig.
Speaking to the publication, a source said: “Richard has always maintained he would never do GMB full-time, as he loves his life as it is.
(Image: ITV)
“But as the weeks have gone by, and he’s proven a constant hit with viewers, he’s really got into his stride and has been enjoying it more and more.
“He polls really well with fans and ratings have steadily been on the rise again over the past six months.
“After a couple of meetings with ITV bosses, he was offered a staff contract. And after consulting with his family, especially wife Judy, he decided ‘sod it’ — and to go for it.”
(Image: ITV)
Richard’s quick witted nature and outspokenness has made him into a fan favourite with several of his going viral.
Due to several viewers still associating GMB with Piers Morgan, ITV are desperate for Richard to not be labelled as Piers’ “official” replacement.
Piers parted ways from GMB in March after he refused to apologise to for his comments made towards Duchess Meghan Markle.
However the outspoken host will soon join TalkTV in the New Year and write a weekly column for The Sun.
On the day he marched off set, GMB was issued with thousands of Ofcom complaints from unhappy viewers who were concerned about his views.
GMB fans have watched a variety of hosts present the ITV breakfast show alongside Susanna since he left.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
