Judge Rinder is reportedly still the frontrunner to replace Piers Morgan as Susanna Reid's permanent co-host on Good Morning Britain.
Morgan abruptly left the ITV breakfast show in March amid a furore over his reaction to Meghan Markle's tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Since then Reid has been joined by a number of stand-in presenters but according to the Daily Star, her close friend Judge Rinder - real name Robert Rinder - is seen as the favourite to get the job on a full-time basis.
"A few names have been thrown about online but behind the scenes Rob is still a frontrunner," a source told the newspaper.
"His recent appearances on Good Morning Britain have been used a 'dry run' to test the water and see how he performs. Viewer reaction is key and naturally bosses need to make sure who ever is chosen is the right fit.
"Rob's management YMU are openly pushing for him to become a full time host alongside Susanna. Nothing has been signed yet but it's been made explicitly clear behind the scenes that is the goal.
"It could be that he's brought in to co-host a major event midweek to ease him in rather than a sudden Monday 6.30am start."
Earlier this week it was revealed that Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell will have a guest stint in the presenting chair for a few days later this month.
