ITV has appeared to refute press reports that Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have been axed from their weekly slot hosting This Morning.

Earlier this year the broadcaster outlined plans to appoint a black presenter as part of the show's regular hosting rota, while at the same time denying that either Holly Willoughby or Phillip Schofield - presenters from Mondays to Thursdays - were planning to leave.

Over the weekend it was claimed that husband-and-wife duo Holmes and Langsford, who have hosted Fridays together since 2006, would be dropped in favour of the new pairing of Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.

Hammond has been a segment presenter on the show for the last 17 years - longer than Willoughby, Holmes or Langsford - while O'Leary is a veteran of the industry, having hosted some of the UK's biggest shows over the last two decades.

The press reports suggested that Holmes and Langsford would move to the role of permanent relief presenters, hosting the show over the summer and other breaks - in line with school holidays - when the main presenters are on leave.

In a statement, ITV did not comment directly on the switch of roles, instead saying: "We have a stellar presenting line up on This Morning in Holly and Phillip and Eamonn and Ruth.

"Any additions to this line up will be announced in due course."

The proposed changes would most likely be introduced in the new year.