ITV Hosts Secure Future

Cat Deeley has reportedly secured her place as the co-host of ITV’s This Morning for another year, following a lucrative £600,000 agreement set to last until March 2026. The deal solidifies her role alongside Ben Shephard, the duo stepping in as permanent replacements for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

Under the new arrangement, Deeley, 50, and Shephard will helm the weekday program from Monday to Thursday, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary continuing their Friday slots. Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle remain on standby as substitute hosts, sustaining their presence since 2021.

Despite its ongoing challenges in reclaiming its peak viewership, This Morning has enjoyed a drama-free period following the turbulence of 2023. The fallout from Phillip Schofield’s admission of an “unwise but not illegal affair” and Holly Willoughby’s eventual exit marked a turning point for the iconic breakfast show.

Rumors suggesting Amanda Holden as a potential successor for Deeley have been firmly dismissed. Speaking about the speculation, Holden said:
"I absolutely love Cat Deeley. She’s super successful, I’ve always admired her, and I think she’s doing such a good job on This Morning."

The leadership shake-up extends behind the scenes, with This Morning editor Martin Frizell announcing his departure after 10 years. The 65-year-old plans to step down in spring 2025, citing the need to prioritize family commitments.

As Deeley and Shephard continue their successful tenure, ITV appears focused on maintaining stability and ushering in a fresh chapter for one of the network’s flagship programs.