Not Bonny for Langsford at This Morning

Reports suggest that viewer favourite Ruth Langsford won’t be taking over from Fern Britton as the main female host of This Morning when she leaves at the end of the current series.

Langsford currently co-hosts the lifestyle magazine programme on Fridays with fiance Eamonn Holmes. But it seems that ITV London bosses have decided against giving her the Monday to Thursday role alongside Phillip Schofield.

The 49-year-old has been with the programme since 2000 as a fill-in presenter, taking over the Friday slot in 2006 when Lorraine Kelly quit. This Morning celebrates its 21^st anniversary this year and it seems producers are looking for a big revamp of the series for the next series.

A show insider told The Mirror: “Ruth doesn’t think she has got the job and was disappointed. Screen tests are taking place with a shortlist and Ruth either didn’t make it, or wasn’t happy with her interview.

“She’s resigned herself to working only on Fridays with Eamonn. It means they’re bringing in a fresh face to try to boost ratings.”

Others mooted as possible replacements include former occasional This Morning host Coleen Nolan, who has proved a hit on Loose Women and former GMTV Today anchor Fiona Phillips – who is as popular as Swine Flu with ITV viewers.

Fern’s final show airs next month.