16 February 2024 , 17:04
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Former This Morning presenter Rylan Clark has broken his silence over news that ITV show This Morning has finally announced the permanent replacement for both Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
The 35 year old TV personality was one of many fan favourites, including Josie Gibson and Emma Willis, who had stepped in until ITV bosses secured full time hosts for the popular daytime TV show. But now, Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd have been announced as the replacement for both Holly and Phil and will take to the sofa from Monday to Thursday, leaving Friday for Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond.
Rylan Clark reacts to Holly and Phil's replacement on This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Rylan stepped in to co-host the ITV daytime TV show along with Emma Willis and also Cat Deeley (Dave Benett/Getty Images)Taking to X, also formerly known as Twitter, the star wrote: "Congrats to these lovely two. I can’t wait to watch from my own sofa whilst sitting in my pants . Both two of tv’s decent ones. I officially name you 'BAT'." And this was followed by a heart emoji.
But it seems some viewers were left disappointed that he was not named as the permanent host along with Emma Willis. One fan said: "It should have been you Ry! I'm livid." While another person said: "It should be you & Emma Willis." And a third added: "SHOULD BE YOU X."
Over recent weeks, reports had circulated claiming that Cat had previously turned down the offer to present the daytime TV show. The mum of two had previously lived in America but split her time between the UK and Los Angeles where she presented So You Think You Can Dance?, while Ben had fronted Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid.
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Rylan and Cat presented This Morning after Holly and Phil quit the show (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Sharing the news with fans, Ben said: "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 reigns, 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."
And Cat added: "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."
Just moments after This Morning started earlier today (February 16), both Alison and Dermot happily reacted to the news with Dermot saying:"Welcome to the family." And Alison added: "We are so happy, it's finally out, the news is finally out." Dermot called it " lovely" while Alison described the news as "so nice."