In an interview with The Times, Iger said the company’s board was “aggressively dealing with the subject of succession” and that Iger saw himself as a ‘prime contender’ to assume the top job.

Iger added: “I would like to succeed Michael [Eisner]. Looking at internal and external candidates, I consider myself to be in the running so I think it’s fair to say that the subject of succession is a fairly important one for me.”

In March 2004, Eisner was forced to stand down as chair of the Disney Group following a shareholder revolt, but kept his position as chief executive, despite 43 per cent of the company's shareholders voting against the continuation of his leadership.

Iger confirmed that non-executive Disney board members discuss the issue of Eisner’s successor “at every board meeting”.

Eisner has now been chief executive of Disney for 20 years, but industry insiders are doubtful as to whether he’ll reach 21.

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