Eamonn Holmes is in the running to replace BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin, who is leaving the show after 20 years.
The Belfast man is one of the handful of high-profile candidates being tipped for the job. Others include Sally Nugent, Bill Turnbull, Piers Morgan, Charlene White, Kay Burley, and Jeremy Vine.
A source close to Eamonn Holmes said he would be “open to an approach” from BBC Breakfast to join their morning team.
The source added: “Eamonn would be open to an approach about BBC Breakfast, following news of Louise Minchin’s departure.
“Manchester is somewhere he knows well, as he began his national television career in the city, on the BBC programme Open Air.”
The 61-year-old presenter is no stranger to morning TV, with over 20 years’ experience working in the area.
He co-presented GMTV for twelve years between 1993 and 2005, before going on to host Sky News’ Sunrise for eleven years.
Eamonn also co-hosted ITV’s This Morning with his wife, Ruth Langsford, every Friday from 2006 until January.
The couple now present the flagship daytime show during holidays.
Louise Minchin first appeared on BBC Breakfast back in 2001 and became a lead presenter in 2012.
She confirmed on Tuesday morning that she would be stepping down from her role later this year.
She said: "I have absolutely loved being part of the six million-strong BBC Breakfast family, but after nearly two decades presenting the programme I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 03.40 in the morning.
Her regular co-host Dan Walker tweeted: "As with everything she does... Louise announces her departure from the show with dignity and class. We will all miss her enormously.”
