Bookie Paddy Power has installed Ruth Langsford as the 5/4 favourite to replace Fern Britton as Phillip Schofield’s next presenting partner on This Morning.
In one of the highest profile jobs for female presenters in television Britton's regular stand-in Langsford is the lady in pole position that her rivals look most likely to have to beat although ITV may choose to keep her as part of their current team alongside long-term partner Eamon Holmes.
Langsford’s early contenders in the betting looks to be a GMTV affair with the recently departed Fiona Phillips a 5/1 contender and Kate Garraway at 7/1. Phillips Schofield’s warmly received partnership with Holly Willoughby see’s the Dancing On Ice presenter as a 6/1 chance which would certainly keep the dads and students who watch the show happy.
Former Blue Peter Presenter and co-presenter to Schofield on Going Live, Sarah Greene, could be an interesting outside bet with many of the Going Live viewers in the late 80s now likely to be This Morning viewers today. Other lively outsiders in Paddy Power’s betting include the popular Lorraine Kelly at 12/1, Celebrity Big Brother winner Ulrika Jonsson at 14/1 and Dancing On Ice Star Coleen Nolan at 10/1.
Judy Finnegan is 100/1 for a sensational return to the show that made her name whilst Kerry Katona is an unlikely 500/1 following her slurred performance as a guest on the show recently.
Sharon McHugh, Paddy Power’s TV betting expert, said: "Television is often accused of being sexist and ageist towards female presenters of a certain age so replacing Fern will be the gig they will all be wanting to get their hands on. That could well turn it into a fierce betting market as the ladies jockey for position."