ITV’s This Morning has finally revealed who will be the permanent presenters to replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield – but not all viewers are happy.
Schofield left his presenting role in May 2023 after he admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague, with Willoughby later stepping down from her role in October.
Since their departure, the ITV chat show has had a rolling roster of presenters come in to fill their spots but have now revealed who will be the permanent fixture on the show.
After presenting together last year, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley will be presenting the show Monday to Thursday from 10am – with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary keeping their Friday spot.
Viewers of the show were left divided over ITV’s decision, with one disgruntled X user commenting: “Poor Josie and Craig.. they deserved it so much more.”
“Ben yes, Cat no,” a second penned before another noted: “So are they Mon to Thurs, where does that leave Craig?”
ITV This Morning announced Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley as new hosts on Friday
ITV
Unhappy with the decision, one user thought this could be the end of This Morning and said: “RIP this morning. It was a blast but now this marks the decline of a soon to be cancelled show.”
"Should have kept Ben and Kate together. Rookie mistake," another fumed as they referenced Kate Garraway on GMB, while a fellow telly watched raged: "This is crap and rubbish, you actually are destroying a good thing , no respect for those who have carried you for the last year. Disrespectful to say the least."
Not all viewers were upset by the news, as one excited fan praised: “Happy times !!! @benshephard and @catdeeley.”
And a second added: "Love @benshephard! Loved @catdeeley with Rylan too so will be interesting to see the dynamic between Ben & Cat." (sic)
Schofield left in May 2023 and Willoughby left in October 2023
ITV
The news was announced on This Morning today by Hammond who said: “Welcome to the family! Two Brummies on the show”
O’Leary added: “The news is finally out! We know them well.”
Hammond added: “We are so happy they are joining the family! Ben and Cat!"
Speaking on their new roles, Shephard said in a statement: “This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning.
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ITV This Morning: Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley will be the new presenters
ITV
“It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.
"For the last 10 years, I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat.
“Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved."
Deeley added: "This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships!
"This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it."
Shephard will host his final show on Good Morning Britain at the end of this month before moving over to his new gig.
