By Jen Heger - Breaking Celebrity News Assistant Managing Editor

Hoda Kotb is the frontruner to replace Ann Curry on Today, which has recently tumbled in the ratings to rival Good Morning America, Breaking Celebrity News is exclusively reporting.

Ann Curry replaced Meredith Viera as co-host of the NBC morning news show more than a year ago, and since that time, GMA has beaten it several times in recent months. Curry could reportedly be replaced as early as next week.

Kotb, who has been with the Peacock network since 1998 and co-hosts the fourth hour of Today with Kathie Lee Gifford, "could replace Ann Curry. Hoda scores off the charts in focus groups, and the audience can relate to her," a show insider tells us.

"Hoda has a hard news background but is extremely comfortable discussing pop culture issues. She just has a warmth that viewers find comforting. She was very public with her breast cancer battle, and allowed cameras to follow her during her cancer treatments on Today. Hoda is a team player, and is so well liked by everyone at the show, most importantly, Matt Lauer. They have a very easy rapport and mutual respect. Hoda even recently interviewed Matt for a Hamptons Magazine profile on him," the insider says.

Kotb gushes about Lauer in the Hamptons interview, and says, "Matt is hands-down the most talented journalis