The BBC’s director general of eight years, Mark Thompson, is “psychologically ready” to step down from his role sometime after the London 2012 Olympic games, according to insiders at the corporation.

No exact date has been given but it is believed he will vacate the job at the end of 2012 or early in 2013. With no clear successor to the role, the race to replace Thompson could see a range of suitable candidates battling for the role.

The Guardian highlights the favourable chances of Caroline Thomson, currently chief operating officer, and Helen Boaden, head of news. If either took up the role, it would be the first time the corporation has had a female at the helm.

But neither are guaranteed bets, with an outsider just as likely to take the position. ITV’s director of television, Peter Fincham, is a favourite, as is Channel 4′s chief executive David Abraham.

Thompson took up the role in 2004 when Greg Dyke resigned following heavy criticism of the BBC in Lord Hutton’s report on the death of government weapons inspector Dr David Kelly.

(Source: MediaGuardian)

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