CAT Deeley has ‘turned down’ a mega-dollar offer to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning, according to reports.
The television star, 47, is said to have turned down ITV’s big-money deal to be the show’s new female presenter in lieu of another job.
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Cat Deeley reportedly turned down big money from ITV. Credit: Getty
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Bosses wanted Cat to be a permanent replacement for Holly Willoughby Credits: Rex
Insiders told the Daily Mail that bosses are now “pulling their hair out” as they try to find a replacement for Holly.
Cat has apparently decided to return to her job as host of So You Think You Can Dance? in the US instead.
The former host of SM:TV has been hosting a major American entertainment show in the United States since 2006.
A source told the Daily Mail: “The reboot date was supposed to be in January, but that’s not happening now.
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“The cat was the answer. She would have been an absolute triumph, but they just didn’t make it.”
A source said it is now “back to the drawing board” in a bid to find a new host for the main daytime show.
Cat representatives and ITV have been contacted for comment.
The Sun exclusively revealed this week that Cat and Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard have been offered big-money deals by ITV to become the new faces of This Morning.
Bosses wanted them to replace Phillip Schofield and Holly following their departures earlier this year, starting in January or February.
A source told us: “This is one of the most coveted gigs on British TV. ITV execs are determined to make it happen.
“Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with housewives.
“He’s an extremely safe pair of hands, he’s got real gravitas and there’s no trace of scandal around him – he’s cleaner than clean.
“Cat is the number one target to replace Holly, but negotiations are ongoing.
“A lot of people are considered, but in the end it all comes down to chemistry.
“Everyone is really excited and it looks like Ben and Cat will be a real morale booster on the pitch.”
The salary offers for the new duo are thought to be around £550,000 each – £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.
In May, Phillip, 61, was forced to quit after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague, following weeks of on-air tension with former best friend Holly, 42.
He later gave an interview to The Sun in which he detailed his heartbreak at the loss this morning.
Five months later Holly – his Dancing On Ice co-star – also left after a plot to kidnap her was discovered.
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Holly and Phil left This Morning this year. Credit: Rex
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ITV also offered Ben Shephard a hefty salary to replace Phillip. Credit: Rex
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Cat has reportedly decided to return to the US for So You Think You Can Dance?Credit: Getty
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