Entertainment
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard Make Their Debut on This Morning
After much anticipation, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have officially taken the helm as the new hosts of This Morning, expressing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
The dynamic duo, who have replaced the previous hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, have been welcomed with warm wishes from viewers and celebrity friends alike, including Ant and Dec as well as football pundit Chris Kamara.
Deeley, known for her work on both sides of the Atlantic, and Shephard, a seasoned presenter, are set to bring a fresh energy to the long-standing magazine show from Monday to Thursday, alongside the Friday hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
Their inaugural episode featured discussions ranging from the controversial Mother’s Day photo of the Princess of Wales to light-hearted banter with guest celebrities, setting a promising tone for their tenure.
Their appointment marks the end of a transitional period for This Morning, which faced upheaval following Schofield’s departure amidst a scandal, leading to guest presenters filling in until Deeley and Shephard’s official unveiling.
In light of recent controversies surrounding the show’s workplace culture, ITV‘s chief executive has denied allegations of toxic behavior, while former contributors like Dr Ranj Singh have raised concerns about the program’s environment.
Despite challenges, This Morning remains a staple in daytime television, drawing a loyal audience of around 800,000 viewers daily, and its latest hosting lineup signals a new chapter for the iconic show.