TV bosses are looking to fast track the career of Celebrity Big Brother co-host Will Best.
They believe Will, 39, has the potential to be the “next Ben Shephard” after the latter moved from Good Morning Britain to This Morning.
Will’s CBB co-host AJ Odudu, 36, has already impressed in lifestyle and reality programming — and now execs think Will could be a future star of daytime and beyond.
A TV source said: “Just like Ben, Will has the T4 background, good looks and light appeal that has proven to be the perfect blend.
“Dermot O’Leary and Vernon Kay share the same characteristics.
“With Ben moving over to This Morning there is a gap in the ITV stable.
“Producers are actively looking for projects that would suit Will as a solo host beyond Big Brother.”
Previously, Will also hosted a live Skype slot titled Ask Simon, from The X Factor judge’s LA home.
The popular presenter also hosted Dance, Dance, Dance alongside Alesha Dixon.
He had earlier hosted Channel 4‘s coverage of the iTunes Festival alongside Nick Grimshaw.
AJ and Will last night presided over the Celebrity Big Brother final with Louis Walsh, Fern Britton and Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin vying for the title alongside Ibiza Weekender’s David Potts and Colson Smith from Coronation Street.
He is expected to continue hosting Big Brother, with the show renewed for another series later in 2024.