Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been unveiled as the new permanent hosts of ITV’s daytime show This Morning, succeeding Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who departed earlier due to various reasons.
Schofield’s departure came amidst reports of a rift with Willoughby and his subsequent admission of lying about an affair with a younger colleague, while Willoughby left the show for personal reasons concerning her family. Since then, Deeley and Shephard, among other guest hosts, have been filling in for the main hosting roles.
Expressing their excitement, Shephard described joining This Morning as a “very special moment,” while Deeley emphasised the show’s status as a “national institution.” Their new roles will commence next month, presenting Monday through Thursday episodes.
Shephard expressed eagerness to connect with viewers after their morning routines, while Deeley likened This Morning to having friends over, pledging to uphold the show’s legacy alongside an exceptional team.
Deeley, known for hosting SMTV with Ant & Dec and fronting So You Think You Can Dance? In the US, she brings her wealth of experience to the show, while Shephard, currently presenting ITV’s breakfast show Good Morning Britain, adds his charm and versatility to the lineup.
This morning has seen a roster of guest presenters in recent months, including Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Emma Willis, Christine Lampard, Rylan Clark, and Dermot O’Leary. Hammond and O’Leary will continue hosting duties on Fridays.
The announcement received a warm reception on social media, with fellow presenters expressing excitement and support for Deeley and Shephard’s new roles.
However, the show has faced challenges, including allegations of a toxic work culture and a decline in viewership, with This Morning failing to secure a win at the National Television Awards for the first time in 13 years in September 2023.
While the allegations have been refuted by ITV’s chief executive, the show remains a cornerstone of daytime television, attracting approximately 800,000 daily viewers. As Deeley and Shephard take the helm, they aim to continue the show’s tradition of engaging, informative, and entertaining content.
