11 March 2024 , 12:33
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Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard made their long-awaited debut on This Morning on Monday but it didn't come without a blunder or two.
The new This Morning presenters, who took over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, were reading out the phone number for a phone in when Cat, 47, made the mistake. The presenter accidentally said '0800' instead of '08000' when reading out the phone number at the bottom of the screen.
After she finished reading it out, Ben, 49, was quick to correct her and said: "It's 08000. In America, I think it's 0800," before Cat admitted she had the ChildLine number in her mind. She apologised before the duo moved on to discuss the next segment of the morning programme.
Phillip and Holly stepped down as main hosts of the ITV show, and ITV had been searching for replacements for the duo. Cat and Ben were announced as the hosts recently taking over from Phil and Holly, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary continuing with their usual Friday hosting duties.
Cat accidentally read out the wrong number (ITV)Cat and Ben made their debut today and fans rushed to social media to question why the show didn't make another change to the titles, which had previously featured Holly and Phil. Sharing their thoughts, one fan wrote: "Not permanent enough to add them to the opening titles then? ITV still hesitant to commit. #ThisMorning," whilst a second added: " #ThisMorning..same old set, theme tune, graphics and segments. Even the same opening titles - couldn’t even be bothered to add Ben and Cat in like the old previous hosts."
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Many were pleased to see the duo on screen but some complained that they were too "boring". One user said: "Cat Deeley genuinely seems refreshingly nice, genuine and kind. It's lovely to see. We already knew that about Ben, so goes without saying!" while another posted: "Ben and Kat are professionals, that’s undeniable… However, they’re also very boring."
When they were announced as the new hosts, Ben and Cat were questioned about how much they were looking forward to hosting the show. Ben said: "That is quite a question, there is so much! Not having to get up so early and to be able to have a lie in is quite high up there. But seriously it has to be the people. From the team to the guests to, of course, Cat - it’s all about the people. I’ve worked with many of the team on and off but to work with them full time is very exciting."
Cat then continued: "As I’ve previously said, 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 airs daily at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX*