Cat and Ben's bond as they make This Morning debut including cheeky husband dig

11 March 2024 , 08:00

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Cat and Ben's bond as they make This Morning debut including cheeky husband dig

They are the new hosts of ITV flagship daytime show This Morning and despite their lengthy presenting pedigrees, this is the first time Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard will work together. It's fair to say the pair can't wait.

"I’m a huge fan of Cat’s – she’s just a brilliant broadcaster," said Ben, known for hosting Good Morning Britain. "I loved waking up to her [on SM:TV Live] so the chance to work together is really fun."

Cat, 47, shot to fame on ITV's much loved SM:TV Live, which she presented with Ant and Dec in the late '90s and early '00s. Ben's career took off at the same time, when he began hosting Channel 4's The Bigger Breakfast alongside Dermot O'Leary and Melanie Sykes.

"No one handles live TV better, he makes it look effortless," said Cat, calling Ben a "true gentleman". And while the pair haven't presented together before Ben, 49, has played football at ITV's Soccer Aid against Cat's husband, comedian Patrick Kielty.

Ben played football with Cat's husband Patrick (Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC)

The presenter says "no one handles live TV better" than her soon to be co-presenter (Getty Images)

"I’ve taken a lot of penalties against her husband and he’s yet to save one," said Ben. "It was a charity game with professionals and celebrities," added Patrick, 53. "Ben was fairly nifty and athletic... I, however, was just trying to stay upright."

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Cat and Ben are no strangers to This Morning, with both having guest presented over the years. Cat took the helm back in 2003 alongside the late Paul O'Grady, with the pair celebrating Cilla Black's 60th birthday. "There were plenty of bubbles that day," she said.

Ben first hosted the show alongside This Morning legend Fern Britton. "I was a last-minute call-up and I remember sitting on the bus on the way home, daydreaming about the fact I’d just hosted it," he said. "Now, here I am 20 years later and I’m going to be doing it every day."

The presenter, 49, has been married to his university sweetheart Annie Perks for 20 years this year, with sons Jack and Sam. Cat, 47, wed comedian Patrick in 2012 and they also share two sons, Milo and James.

Watch Ben and Cat on This Morning Monday to Thursday, 10.30am to 12.30am on ITV1 and ITVX

Vikki White