Judge Rinder is still seen as a front-runner by industry insiders to land Piers Morgan's old job alongside Susanna Reid to co-host Good Morning Britain, despite Richard Madeley meeting ITV bosses last month.

Despite countless names being thrown into the ring to bag the full-time hosting role, Judge Rinder's name keeps cropping up thanks to his management openly campaigning for him behind the scenes.

His recent appearances on GMB have been branded by 'dry runs' to see how viewers react to him away from his usual Judge Rinder series.

So far the reaction has been positive but bosses are keen not to rush into a knee-jerk decision.

Daily Star can reveal that the legal ace's team at YMU, who helped mastermind Ben Shephard's GMB career, are openly pushing for him to get the role.

A source told Daily Star: "A few names have been thrown about online but behind the scenes Rob is still a front runner.

"His recent appearances on Good Morning Britain have been used a 'dry run' to test the water of and see he performs.

"Viewer reaction is key and naturally bosses need to make sure who ever is chosen is the right fit.

• 

  ITV blacklist celebs with X-rated OnlyFans accounts from appearing on their shows

"Rob's management YMU are openly pushing for him to become a full time host alongside Susanna."

The source added: "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-inside a major event midweek to ease him in rather than a sudden Monday 6.30am start."

• 

  Harry and Meghan branded 'mean spirited' by GMB's Ranvir for leaking private palace chat

A rep for YMA and Judge Rinder failed to respond to Daily Star's request for comment.

Richard is set to join Susanna Reid for a few weeks in June on GMB which is also being billed as a dry run for a possible permanent role.

Speaking about a possible deal, the British TV legend told OK: "If the phone went and they said: 'Would you come in and talk?', of course I would talk to them. It would be bonkers not to."

Source: Read Full Article