Fans have reacted to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard being announced as the new hosts of This Morning.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s permanent replacements are finally set to take over the presenting reigns.
Following the departure of her longtime co-host, Holly had been hosting the show with a rotation of guest presenters.
But in October, Holly suddenly quit the ITV programme, shortly after a man was accused of plotting to kidnap and murder her.
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are reportedly set to replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as the new full-time presenters of the show.
Both Cat, 47, and Ben, 49, have hosted the show separately in the past, and impressed producers with their on-screen talent.
The unofficial announcement comes after it was reported in December last year that Cat had “turned down” the job offer.
A source at ITV told the Daily Mail they are “thrilled” they signed the pair after “so many obstacles had to be negotiated to get there.”
Another source said: “Cat was the one they wanted all along and finally they have her. It is incredible news for them.”
The unofficial announcement comes after it was reported in December last year that Cat had “turned down” the job offer.
However, according to sources after further negotiations and the offer of more money, Cat agreed to take the role.
A source told The Mirror: “The cat’s out of the bag – they are the new dream team. ITV is planning to announce Cat and Ben as their new star pairing in March.”
“Obviously Ben is well known and loved by the ITV daytime audience thanks to his many years on the breakfast sofa. Cat is also a very recognisable face, thanks to her long stint of working on kids’ TV, although she’s been over in the US for a long time.”
Fans of the show have taken to X to share their thoughts on the new host.
One user wrote: “I think Ben will be great maybe a bit safe but it’s what the show needs right now verdict still out on Cat.”
Another user wrote: “At last this morning have got 2 fabulous presenters.”
A third disapproved of the casting and said: “Great news… but I still think Josie and Craig deserved better than this.”
