(Image: ITV)
Cat Deeley is said to have come to terms with her future on ITV’s midday programme, This Morning which has seen a drop in ratings over the recent years
Cat Deeley’s future on This Morning appears to have been confirmed just nine months after she made her debut.
The presenter, 48, joined the flagship in programme in February earlier this year, alongside Ben Shephard, following the departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. The former bestfriends had been at the helm of the show for almost 15 years, presenting on an almost daily basis.
Schofield stepped down following his “illegal but unwise affair,” while Holly resigned in order to spend time with her family following a horrific alleged plot to abduct her. Following weeks of speculation and stand in presenters, it was confirmed that Birmingham-born Deeley and former Good Morning Britain anchor Shephard would be stepping in.
But while the pair have been a hit with viewers, official viewing figures of the programme appear to have fallen. Reports state that This Morning attracts a six-figure viewing, the likes of BBC’s Morning Live rake in over 1 million viewers per day. Sources have claimed that Cat has come to terms with being one of the shortest serving presenters on This Morning.
( Image: RAY BURMISTON)
“Cat loves This Morning but has conceded she’ll be one of their shortest ever serving presenters,” a source said. They went on to tell The Sun: “Cat was brought in alongside Ben to steady the ship and she’s done just that, ratings have been tricky but the daily drama has finally ended.
“Cat signed a year-long deal with Ben last year and she’s agreed to another 12 months.” The source claimed that Cat had spoken to those close to her and expressed she was “growing tired of it” and is set to be focusing her energy on another project when her new contract ends in 2026.
Although she has “zero desire” to follow Willoughby’s legacy and become a show legend, she is keen to remain loyal to the programme, as well as the viewers at home. Despite the recent drop in viewing figures, ITV boasted an impressive record this Christmas.
The pre-recorded episode of the programme saw more 1.1 million viewers tune in as they gathered on their sofas on Christmas day between 10am and 12pm. For the fifth year running, This Morning was firmly at the top of the morning slot for daytime television. Despite this small win, fans were left “cringing” just days prior over Cat’s “inappropriate behaviour.”
Many viewers were left up in arms after watching the TV star jiggle around in a swimming costume on-air. As the programme kicked off, Ben reminded his co-host that she’d left behind a gift the Josie Gibson had sourced for her at the Christmas Party. Rather impressed with the present, Ben said: “Here you go, I retrieved it for you.” Cat held up the tiny swimsuit that had his face printed on to it, telling him: “I was leaving that behind on purpose,” but adding “i’ll pop it on later”. After the break, she appeared donning the costume over her clothing, like she’d promised.
However, fans didn’t’ see the funny side as they took to X – formerly known as Twitter to blast the TV star. One person penned: “Surely, this is inappropriate and suggestive behaviour from Cat?” Another moaned: ” #thismorning @thismorning I have just chucked my breakfast up looking at that awful bikini.” A third echoed: “These two are just c*** at this job they have no personality and make me cringe when they try to be funny.. get rid asap! #ThisMorning.”