This Morning’s Cox & Ball story
Radio 2 pals to share ITV sofa slot
SARA Cox and Michael Ball are teaming up to co-host ITV’s This Morning, the Mirror can reveal.
The duo have signed up to front the show this Friday in place of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford – and bosses hope they may be back again.
Show chiefs say they want to “mix it up” a bit while Monday to Thursday presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby take their summer break
A source said: “With Eamonn and Ruth covering Phillip and Holly, their Friday slot is open for others to try.”
This Morning’s editor, Martin Frizell, said: “The summer months have always been a key time to try out new items and talent. I wanted a mixture of different presenters doing the Fridays to keep it fresh and exciting for the viewers.”
Last week, Dr Ranj Singh and Vanessa Feltz won praise from viewers for their stint on the show.
The source added: “Bosses have high hopes for Ball and Cox, they’re delighted they are on the roster.” The pair both have huge followings for their shows on BBC Radio 2.
Musical theatre star Ball, 56, went to No1 last year with Together Again, his second album with Alfie Boe.
Ex Radio 1 Breakfast Show star Cox, 43, has hosted shows including BBC Two’s Great Pottery Throw Down.
Other names likely to front future Fridays on This Morning include Nigel Havers and Rylan Clark-Neal.