This Morning have finally confirmed Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield’s replacements.
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 will 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.
However, according to sources after further negotiations and the offer of more money, Cat agreed to take the role
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.”
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This Morning Instagram account shared pictures and quotes from the new co-hosts as the finally confirmed the rumours.
In their post for Cat, they wrote: “@catdeeley says: “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.”
“Ben and Cat will make their debut hosting #ThisMorning next month, and will front the Monday to Thursday shows, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on Fridays.”
In their Instagram post for Ben, the network’s social media wrote: “@benshephardofficial says: “This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reins, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.”
“For the last ten 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.”
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“Ben and Cat will make their debut hosting #ThisMorning next month, and will front the Monday to Thursday shows, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on Fridays.”
