Duncan Garner is expected to be the new co-host of a weeknight current affairs show replacing Campbell Live.

Radio host Duncan Garner is expected to take the job hosting TV3's new primetime current affairs show, after John Campbell's contentious departure.

And One News reporter Heather du Plessis-Allan is said to be in a bidding war between TVNZ and TV3, as TV3 attempts to poach her to join Garner as a co-host.

Garner, previously the 3News political editor, did not reply to a request for comment, but sources said he would take the role.

KEVIN STENT / STUFF Heather du Plessis-Allen is in the middle of a bidding war betwen TV3 and TVNZ.

TV3 head of news Mark Jennings said they had not appointed any new hosts yet. "We have spoken to and are speaking to a number of people about the 7pm roles."

Garner is currently hosting the Radio Live drive slot and hosts current affairs show 3D with Samantha Hayes on Sunday.

He is expected to continue to his Radio Live afternoon show alongside the new TV role.

John Campbell left TV3 after it was announced his show would be replaced by a four day a week current affairs show

MediaWorks has said it is planning an "evolved version of Campbell Live" featuring a wider mix of stories with two hosts in the primetime slot.

Campbell left TV3 in May after turning down an offer to co-host the new four day a week current affairs show.

Media commentator Gavin Ellis said Garner and du Plessis-Allan would make a formidable team. "If that is the case it bodes well because you have got two good, senior journalists at the helm who are capable of both light and shade."

It was vital for Campbell Live to be replaced by a current affairs show hosted by experienced reporters, he said.

"If TV3 doesn't have a hard-hitting current affairs programme we lose the ability on a nightly basis to hold politicians to account under the glare of cameras."

When Campbell came under review, the TV3 bosses appeared to be looking at a lighter show to boost ratings, he said.

"If Garner and Heather du Plessis-Allan are indeed the hosts, that would indicate a change of heart. They may have seen the peak of ratings at the end of Campbell Live and the potential there."

Du Plessis-Allan met with Jennings at a Wellington hotel this week to discuss the role.

In an awkward twist, her One News boss Phil O'Sullivan walked in on the discussions after accidentally being given the hotel room key.

Adding to the sensitive situation, O'Sullivan is said to have been meeting with TV3 reporter Dan Parker, in the same hotel, in a bid to poach him.

There has been a raft of changes at TV3 in recent months, including Samantha Hayes and David Farrier fronting a new show called Newsworthy at 10.30pm.

The axing of John Campbell caused a huge backlash, leading to protest marches and petitions.

Campbell ended his show with its highest ratings ever, with about 500,000 New Zealanders tuning in for the finale on May 29.

Reality TV show Come Dine With Me is filling the void left by Campbell until the replacement current affairs show begins.