John Humphrys has hinted that 2019 will mark his last year at the helm of the Today programme after 32 years.
The veteran broadcaster, 75, said he has not handed in his notice but that BBC bosses are aware of his plans to step down from the Radio 4 show.
"I’m assuming it’ll be this year. That’s what I’m assuming, but I haven’t fixed a date,” he told the Daily Mail.
Despite no clear frontrunners to replace him, there are a few names being bandied about, including his co-hosts Nick Robinson and Mishal Husain, and prominent BBC figures like Emily Matlis.
So, who could take over?
Kirsty Wark
Wark has been part of the Newsnight team since 1993, but actually started her career on the airwaves in 1976. Wark joined the BBC as a graduate researcher for BBC Radio Scotland before going on to become a current affairs producer. Wark even did a spell on Radio 4, working on The World At One before moving into television.
According to Betfair, Wark is in pole position for the soon-to-be-vacant position at 3/1.
Emily Maitlis
Newsnight’s Matlis may lack radio experience, but she is one of the favourite leads at the network, especially liked for her interviewing experience.
She’s currently 4/1 to take over the mantel from Humphrys.
Kirsty Young
Young is no stranger to BBC Radio 4, having steered the Desert Island Discs ship for over a decade – but she did take a step back from the show last year due to fibromyalgia.
Returning longer odds than some other female’s tipped for the role, Young is at 8/1.
Robert Peston
The former BBC Business Editor, who crossed the shop floor to ITV in 2016, has found himself linked with a return to the public broadcaster in a prime-time role, albeit on the airwaves.
However, despite his show being moved from Sunday morning to late-night Wednesday, Peston is still very much an outsider at 25/1.
Andrew Neil
Daily Politics, Sunday Politics and This Week presenter Neil is a famous face for the BBC, but could he be tempted to leave the small screen behind for the airwaves?
As one of Britain’s best-known journalists, a bet on Neil would give you odds of 12/1.
Nick Robinson
Popular with listeners, Robinson joined the Today show in November 2015 after a 10 year tenure as BBC’s Political Editor.
He’s currently 14/1 with Betfair.
Piers Morgan
The Good Morning Britain anchor is a great interviewer and often pulls in audiences with his lively debates. Although a regular on ITV, a move to a serious BBC radio show proves tempting but he doesn't seem so keen, replying to an article written about him taking over with "they can't afford me".
Odds courtesy of Betfair
