[UTVLifer]

I think if any of these folk had had ‘cut through’ and that indefinable X factor they’d be a shoo-in….the likes of Richard Gaisford or Paul Brand just don’t have it I feel. Clearly they’d give it to Martin Lewis if he wanted it. Feel like Rob Rinder should have been a lot better than he’s been.

Conversely there probably is a fairly unknown male reading the news somewhere who could do it really well (Ben wasn’t especially famous on joining GMTV), and could generate chemistry with his female co-host. Neil Thompson should have the confidence to make long-term fresh stars, rather than folk who bring a small spike in publicity on day one.

One of the problem with Rob Rinder IMO is that he works very well onscreen with Susanna, but not so much with others (such as Charlotte this morning). Richard Gaisford is an alright newsreader but his strengths are in reporting from location not sitting in the the studio

Meanwhile, I'd imagine Paul Brand is being groomed for the inevitable ITV News succession post-GE when Peston eventually steps down after nearly a decade as PolEd