Two of GMTV’s presenters face losing their jobs as part of a cost-cutting exercise by ITV directors.

The broadcaster is looking to save 20 per cent on the breakfast show and bosses have warned that they want to axe a minimum of one male and one female anchor, reports The Mail.

Andrew Castle, 46, John Stapleton, 63, Kate Garraway, 42, Ben Shephard, 35, and Penny Smith, 51, are said to be ‘anxious beyond belief’. But insiders believe Shephard will survive as he is a ‘massive face on the channel’.

The stars are ‘desperate’ for bosses to guarantee their place on the flagship show, a source told The Mirror.

‘Everyone is absolutely dreading the results of the review. There will very likely be some big name casualties,’ the insider added.

Along with Shephard, new girl Emma Crosby, 32, is expected to keep her job, according to the newspaper. Crosby joined GMTV a year ago and was given a new contract by GMTV bosses in December.

Her salary has increased from £130,000 to £160,000.

Another source said: ‘Emma has been everything we had hoped for and more.

‘The new deal is a reflection on how highly we value her and want to keep her on the show as well as our viewers who have given her great feedback.’

But one insider conceded that no one is safe from the cull.