09 March 2024 , 16:19
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Since the departure of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the nation has been waiting to see who will step into their shoes as the permanent replacement to host This Morning.
And while names including Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary appeared to be firm favourites to take over the coveted spot, ITV bosses announced Ben Shepherd along with Cat Deeley had landed the role. But their imminent arrival has not been met with the positivity expected if the comments on social media is anything to go by. This Morning's official Instagram account posted a short video teasing their arrival on March 11 as it showed two mugs, one with the letter B and another with the letter C.
This Morning teased viewers with a video ahead of Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley's arrival on the ITV show
Cat Deeley is set to co-host This Morning on March 11 (Getty Images)Accompanying the video was a comment that read: "There’s excitement brewing in the studio... Tune in this Monday from 10am as we welcome @benshephardofficial and @catdeeley!." But viewers appeared less than impressed. One person said: "Nooooooooooo." Another person wrote: "I did prefer it with different presenters save seeing the same two faces all the time."
And a third person commented: "Not really looking forward to. it....my choice is always Craig and Josie." Meanwhile, a fourth person penned: "I’m sorry this morning but I really can’t stand Ben , should of left it with different presenters keeps it fresh." Last month, ITV confirmed that Cat Deeley along with Ben Shepherd will be replacing Holly and Phil. Cat,47, has been away from the UK for a while hosting shows in the US.
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But speaking about her new role on the popular daytime show, she told fans: " 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."
Ben Shepherd quit Good Morning Britain to host This Morning with Cat Deeley (Daily star)Meanwhile Ben added: "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."
This Morning's editor, Martin Frizell commented: "The team and I have relished the opportunity to try new things these past few months and remind viewers what a massively talented team both on and off screen we have here at This Morning. We can't wait to welcome Ben and Cat fully into the fold next month and witness the start of another exciting chapter in the show's 35-year journey."