As the end of Hamish and Andy's dominating national drive show draws nearer, competition for who will fill their chairs is heating up.

And it appears that Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little's test run this year on air together could have made them the hottest contenders.

Austereo's chief creative officer Guy Dobson told Fairfax Media both Bickmore and Little were among the top contenders to replace Hamish and Andy at the end of the year.

Bickmore and Little currently host an hour-long afternoon show on the Hit Network alongside other commitments such as co-hosting The Project on Channel Ten.

"Carrie and Tommy have done extremely well for us and audiences love them," Dobson said. "They're in the box seat, but we are talking to lots of people."

Hamish and Andy, who plan to quit radio when their contracts expire with Southern Cross Austereo at the end of the year, first hit commercial airwaves in 2006 but now hope to focus on their new television show. True Story with Hamish & Andy has been a ratings winner for the Nine Network, with a second season looking increasingly likely.

Should Bickmore be tapped on the shoulder for the Hit Network's plum drive spot, it's unclear whether she would be able to continue her duties at The Project. Ten's panel show kicks off at 6.30pm – just half an hour after the traditional drive slot wraps up.

Meanwhile, rival radio station KIIS FM has shot down rumours David Hughes and Kate Langbroek will be booted to a morning timeslot when it conducts its own program reshuffle.

"Hughsey and Kate won't be doing KIIS breakfast next year," ARN's Duncan Campbell said. "Drive is their natural home."