Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley are very 'compatible' as This Morning's new hosts

16 February 2024 , 17:47

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Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley are very 'compatible' as This Morning's new hosts

ITV show This Morning has become a national treasure and the chemistry between the co-hosts has certainly been integral to its success.

And now, just hours after news emerged of Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd being announced as the full time replacement of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, it seems that ITV bosses have secured themselves a perfect match, according to celebrity astrologer Inbaal Honigman.

Since last May, speculation over who will take over Phillip Schofield's slot on the show was rife following his immediate departure from the show. At the time, Holly Willoughby was presenting the show alongside a number of stand-ins including Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Dermot O'Leary and Rylan Clark.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd have been announced as the full-time presenter on This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

But now, according to Inbaal, Cat and Ben are very compatible due to their star signs. Ben is fire sign being Sagittarius and Cat is a Scorpio, which are known for their sensitivity and mystery. Speaking to Slingo, celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal said the pair are a classic example of "opposite attract."

Inbaal said: "Cat is a Scorpio, which is a sensual, mysterious and sensitive sign. Ben is a Sagittarius, which is upfront, honest and adventurous. Their compatibility is that of opposites attract. Where she'll cry at the difficult stories, he'll be the first to laugh when something inappropriate happens. Where she'll raise a sarcastic eyebrow, he'll be all-in enthusiastic about any challenges."

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The astrologer added: "Compared with Phil and Holly, they're apples and oranges. The departing pair were Aries and Aquarius who couldn't be more different. Where Cat and Ben will become known for their sensitivity and passion according to their astrology, Phil and Holly will be remembered for the Aries directness and Aquarius peacefulness." Ben and Cat will take over the sofa next month and will present the show from Monday to Thursday, while Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond will take over every Friday.

Ben Shepherd had co-hosted This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby before she quit in October last year (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking of his role, leaving behind Good Morning Britain, 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 both Alison and Dermot 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."

Lucretia Munro