The search for Piers Morgan's replacement on Good Morning Britain could be focused on his co-host during his rise and fall on the show.
Bosses of the ITV breakfast show are reportedly keen to make Susanna Reid the new 'star' and will be looking to 'build the show around her' in the post-Piers era.
The Sun has reported that there are fears among the GMB team that Susanna might follow Piers out of the door, so they are keen to make sure that she knows she is their number one choice.
There is also a plan to 'promote' Andi Peters, who presents the competitions section on the show, after he proved popular with viewers with his jovial promotion of the daily comps.
Plans are being made for the next six months of the show and while it has been widely tipped that weatherman Alex Beresford might take over from Piers, after he was instrumental in him leaving the show.
They had an on-screen bust-up over Piers' comments about Meghan Markle which became a race issue and ultimately led to Piers quitting the show after he refused to apologise for his remarks.
GMB executives have not ruled out signing a big name to replace Piers in the long term but for now, they are keen to make Susanna the focal point of the show.
A source told The Sun: “Piers’ sudden departure has, of course, put a rocket up everyone.
“But what ITV needs now, more than ever, are calm heads and someone to steady the ship.
“Susanna has proven herself a consummate broadcaster for the past ten years — and clearly has the star factor."
The source went on to point out that she has been more than "Piers' foil" during his reign on the show and that Susanna is "smart, feisty and opinionated."
The Sun reported that ITV have offered Susanna their "full backing" and "more editorial say".
The source added: “Alex hasn’t formally applied for Piers’ job, but has made it quietly known he’s more than happy, and able, to step up as a presenter if and when he’s needed.
“Behind the scenes, Andi is very popular, and polls well with viewers despite, arguably, having the unenviable task of making competitions sound interesting."
The on-air row between Alex and Piers saw the show record its highest viewing figures to date and it was the first time it had overtaken rivals BBC Breakfast.
Ratings have taken a sharp dip since Piers departure, so bosses are hoping that having Susanna at the helm might halt the slide before it becomes irreversible.
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