Talk show hosts Des and Mel are already daytime favourites

The pair, who have hosted a lunchtime talk show on the channel since 2002, will replace the Paul O'Grady Show which is coming to the end of its run.

The new slot will put the couple head to head with Richard and Judy, which goes out at 5pm on Channel 4.

O'Grady - also known as Lily Savage - has recently been beating the daytime stalwarts in the ratings.

'Family favourite'

O'Connor said both he and Sykes are "thrilled" about the move, which they will make after their Christmas break.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of a teatime slot, especially as there are many more viewers able to tune in at that time," added the 72-year-old entertainer, who recently became a father for the fifth time.

A spokesman for ITV said: "I am very confident that they will continue to build on their already loyal audience to become a family favourite at teatime."

The Paul O'Grady Show, which ends on 3 December, has proved a ratings success since it first aired last month.

Paul O'Grady's show has been a ratings winner for ITV

And for the first time on Wednesday evening, it was the most popular teatime show, beating both Richard And Judy and BBC Two's The Weakest Link.

The rival talk shows have taken the ratings battle seriously, with a number of high-profile guest appearances including Madonna.

ITV has struggled to find a teatime hit since Australian soap opera Home And Away went to Five in July 2001.

There were two unsuccessful attempts to revive Midlands-based serial Crossroads, which finally came to a close in May 2003.