This Morning shake-up: Cat Deeley replaced by Angela Scanlon as co-star Ben Shephard responds
The reason for Cat's absence remains a mystery…Cat Deeley was unexpectedly absent from This Morning today (February 24), with Angela Scanlon stepping in alongside Ben Shephard — prompting plenty of chatter from viewers online.
The ITV daytime show had only just welcomed Cat and Ben back from their half-term break yesterday (February 23). But after just one episode, Cat was missing from the sofa once again.
Cat Deeley replaced by Angela Scanlon on This Morning
Ahead of today’s instalment of This Morning, ITV’s continuity announcer had indicated that both Cat and Ben would be presenting. However, when the programme began, Ben was joined by Angela instead.
Ben didn’t explain the reason for Cat’s absence, but he hinted she would be away for a few days, joking that Angela would be his “play date”.
Chatting on air, Ben asked Angela how her half-term had been. She described it as a “boxing match” before quickly clarifying that it had been more of a “lovely, cuddly boxing match”.
Angela shares two daughters — Ruby Ellen, seven, and Marnie Fae, four — with her husband Roy Horgan, whom she married in 2014. She also revealed that Ruby turns eight tomorrow (February 25).
TV Guide has contacted ITV for comment regarding Cat’s absence.
‘Deeley’s done a runner!’
Following Monday’s show, Ben shared a light-hearted video teasing Tuesday’s episode.
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“Deeley’s done a runner!” he joked, before running through the upcoming guest list, which includes Louise Redknapp and Martin Lewis.
He also confirmed Cat wouldn’t be by his side, telling followers he would have a “special playmate for a play date”.
“The gorgeous Angela Scanlon will be joining me as well!” he added.
Viewers reaction
Viewers quickly took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on Cat’s no-show.
“The continuity announcer obvs didn’t get the memo re Cat #ThisMorning,” one person wrote.
“No Cat today? #ThisMorning,” another asked.
A third commented: “No cackling Cat today… thank God… Now to get rid of Shephard #ThisMorning.”
Others, however, were more complimentary about Angela’s appearance, with one viewer saying: “I’m quite liking Angela presenting today.”
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