Cat Deeley and the Challenging Reign at This Morning

LONDON, 27 January 2026 – Nearly two years into her role as co-host of ITV’s flagship daytime programme *This Morning*, Cat Deeley’s tenure has been defined by persistent scrutiny, reported ratings struggles, and significant personal upheaval. Alongside Ben Shephard, Deeley was tasked with steadying the ship following the dramatic departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in 2023. However, the journey has proven to be one of the most testing chapters in the veteran presenter’s storied career.

A Rocky Start and Sustained Scrutiny

Deeley and Shephard made their official debut as permanent Monday-to-Thursday hosts on 11 March 2024. While their first show attracted over a million viewers, reports swiftly emerged of a significant decline. By May 2024, newspapers cited sources claiming average viewership had fallen to around 486,000, a drop of roughly half from their debut figure. These reports positioned the show in a difficult ratings battle with its BBC rival, *Morning Live*.

ITV has consistently challenged the narrative of a show in crisis. The broadcaster has emphasised the programme’s weekly reach, stating it continues to attract over 4 million viewers across all platforms and remains one of the most-streamed shows on ITVX. A spokesperson previously stated: “The award-winning show has never had a better connection with its viewers,” highlighting its substantial social media footprint.

The “Curse” of the Sofa and Personal Strain

The professional challenges for Deeley have been compounded by profound personal change. In July 2025, she and her husband of 12 years, presenter Patrick Kielty, announced their separation. In the aftermath, sources close to the couple suggested their demanding, conflicting schedules—with Deeley in London from Monday to Thursday and Kielty hosting *The Late Late Show* in Dublin—had taken a toll, leaving them “like ships in the night”.

This personal strife fed into the enduring media narrative of a “curse” plaguing the *This Morning* sofa, following the scandals that engulfed her predecessors. Deeley had reportedly expressed concerns about taking on the role for this very reason. Cultural commentator Rachel Richardson noted the network may have opted for a “really safe option” in Deeley and Shephard, a pairing some critics have described as competent but lacking the anarchic spark of earlier eras.

Viewer Criticism and On-Screen Dynamics

From the outset, Deeley’s presenting style attracted mixed reviews. Some viewers criticised her for being “shrill”, talking over guests, and interrupting Shephard, with social media commentary occasionally speculating about tension between the hosts. Others, however, have praised the duo’s professionalism and more relatable dynamic compared to the previous era.

Ben Shephard has publicly downplayed the focus on ratings. In a 2024 interview, he stated, “It is not something I really worry about right now. From our perspective we just want to make the best show we can possibly make.”

Key Facts: Cat Deeley & This Morning

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Cat Deeley start on This Morning?

Cat Deeley, alongside Ben Shephard, began as the permanent main presenter of *This Morning* on Monday, 11 March 2024.

What did Cat Deeley do before This Morning?

Deeley has had a long career in television. She rose to fame in the UK co-hosting *SM:TV Live* with Ant and Dec. She later found major success in the United States as the host of *So You Think You Can Dance* for 17 seasons, earning five Primetime Emmy nominations.

Are the ratings for This Morning really that bad?

The picture is complex. While reports in 2024 cited a sharp drop in linear television viewers following the new hosts’ debut, ITV strongly disputes the show is in trouble. They point to strong weekly reach figures (over 4 million), high streaming numbers on ITVX, and a massive social media following as evidence of the show’s health in a modern, multi-platform era.

Is Cat Deeley leaving This Morning?

As of January 2026, reports indicate she has recently signed a new contract to continue co-hosting the show until at least March 2026. However, previous rumours suggested she viewed the role as a challenging chapter rather than a long-term legacy position, with a source in 2024 claiming she would “give it a year”.