Ben Fordham urged to take over as Today show host

Ben Fordham has previously said he has no interest in taking over the main hosting role on the Today show.

However, his return to the Channel Nine program since last week to fill in for newsreader Tom Steinfort has been received with such a wave of overwhelming support, so much so that the TV star’s being urged to step into the main hosting role currently held by Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight.

Taking to Twitter, viewers have told the 42-year-old that he’s a “natural fit” for the breakfast show and should stay on as co-host.

“I’m back on ⁦@TheTodayShow for another week,” Ben informed fans on Sunday, which is what prompted a slew of positive responses.

“You belong there,” wrote one person, while another penned, “LOL! You do realise you're a natural fit for the show. Stay as co -host. You're tops”.

Another person had a strong message for the TV network, urging them to “keep him on”.

“@BenFordhamvchanges the whole dynamic on the Today show on @thetodayshow with @deborah_knight and @GeorgieG its good to watch keep him on,” they wrote.

The Today show has struggled in terms of ratings since Karl Stefanovic was dumped from the program at the end of last year.

TV Blackbox co-founder, Kevin Perry noted that the show’s increase in ratings over the past week coincided with Ben’s appearance.

“Been a while since @TheTodayShow has scored 219k on a Friday.... Did I mention how good @BenFordham has been on the show this week,” he tweeted.

Last year it had been reported that Ben was being considered to replace Karl Stefanovic, well before the Gold Logie winner was dumped from the show.

“He ticks every box. He’s very likable and engaging. He’s smart and dedicated,” a network insider told Woman’s Day.

“But most of all, he’s the complete package – a devoted family man with a proven track record and a broad fanbase.”

However, in June 2018 Ben said he wasn’t interested in replacing Karl as he believed Karl and Georgie Gardner’s on-screen chemistry was strong enough to hold the show.

“They are doing an incredible job… and I can’t see that changing. I think Karl is made for Today and has been doing it for what feels like 35 years and I reckon he’ll still be doing it in another 35 years,” he told news.com.au at the time.

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