Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s permanent replacements are finally set to take over presenting This Morning.
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.”
“People were very impressed with her guest presenting stint last year alongside Rylan and thankfully the timing has all come together. Everyone is delighted.”
A source previously told the outlet: “This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.”
“Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with the housewife demographic.”
