This Morning 'finally in good hands' with new hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard

11 March 2024 , 15:52

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This Morning 'finally in good hands' with new hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard

This Morning is "finally in good hands" with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley at the helm, according to a body language expert.

The ITV daytime show has been without permanent presenters since Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby quit the programme last year. However, in February it was announced that Ben, 49, and Cat, 47, would take up the reigns after months of uncertainty at the channel.

Following their first stint today - which we'd like you to vote on - the pair looked comfortable together, according to body language expert, Darren Stanton. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, he said: “I think Cat and Ben are going to make a great permanent team on This Morning. The show is in good hands now. While there’s been a succession of various presenters over the past year, they’ve definitely found their feet with their two. It does work well when you have people at similar periods in life with similar experiences. In terms of their overall body language as a duo, we’re seeing a couple that have got a deep reciprocal liking, are well aware of each other’s skills and abilities, and display mutual respect."

Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are This Morning's new presenters

Viewers also warmed to the new presenters, with many saying they were relieved Ben and Cat would be on the channel permanently. However, Darren claimed Ben proved to be the "more confident presenter", while Cat is clearly still "finding her feet". According to the behavioural expert, the seasoned host - who previously fronted US reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance? - will need time to adapt to the UK, but still comes over as a "strong presenter".

Following the fall-out between Holly and Phil during which the father-of-two admitted his former pal knew nothing about his affair with a young runner on This Morning, it was important for ITV bosses to find a partnership that worked. According to Darren there is an "instant connection between Cat and Ben". He claimed: "The levels of chemistry they’re showing is similar to some of the best duos on This Morning. What’s interesting is that there’s certain times when they’ll lean in towards each other. This is quite significant, particularly for their first show together, as it’s an example of matching and mirroring that you don’t often see."

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During their debut on the show this morning, Ben was issued a cheeky warning about Cat, who is married to Irish comic, Patrick Kielty. As the former Good Morning Britain host opened the show show, he revealed the Brummie-born star's former SMTV's co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly had sent a message to the pair to wish them luck. Dec said: "Have the best time. You're going to be amazing, we can't wait to watch." Ant then added: "A little bit of a word of advice for Ben about Cat, because we've worked with Cat, and she might be all sweetness and light but that girl can party, don't think she can't," as Dec joked: "Keep the lock on the drinks cabinet."

Victoria Johns