New Presenting Duo Earns Viewer Praise
Ben Shephard has publicly praised his This Morning co-host Cat Deeley as an “absolute star,” revealing he learns from her daily as they navigate their new roles together. The presenting pair took over the flagship ITV program in March 2024 following significant lineup changes.
Stepping Into Big Shoes
Shephard and Deeley became the show’s permanent hosts after Phillip Schofield’s 2023 departure amid personal conduct revelations, followed by Holly Willoughby’s exit five months later. Their appointment concluded an extensive search for stable leadership following the program’s turbulent period.
“We have very similar outlooks on life,” Shephard shared during a recent conversation. “The more time we spend with each other, the stronger that relationship is getting. Taking on this show wasn’t something we took lightly.”
Behind the Scenes of a Revamped Show
The hosting change coincided with major production updates, including relocating from London’s Television Centre after seven years. “It was a real wrench physically because we all knew it inside out,” Shephard noted about the studio move. “Cat and I cannot speak highly enough of how hard everybody has worked.”
Personal Life Meets Morning Television
Despite their high-profile roles, Shephard revealed his teenage sons remain unimpressed by his daytime TV career. “They don’t watch what I do,” the presenter admitted. “If I interviewed Kendrick Lamar, they might be interested.”
Shephard humorously added that their disinterest might be beneficial: “Usually half the time I’m throwing them under the bus, moaning that they don’t clear up after themselves.”
As This Morning continues its latest chapter, industry observers note the new hosts have brought stability to the program while navigating production changes and maintaining viewer engagement through major daytime TV scheduling shifts across UK networks.
