PRESENTERS Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are set for big-money deals as the new faces of This Morning.
They were chosen by ITV bosses to replace Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
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Cat Deeley has been cast as the new host of This Morning. Credit: Empics
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Ben Shephard is paired with Cat as co-host. Credits: ITV
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Former host Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby Credit: ITV
A source said: “A lot of people were considered. Ultimately, it’s about chemistry.”
Ben’s clean-cut image was seen as a big factor in him getting the nod – while Cat proved popular during a recent couch introduction on the show.
Last night a source said: “This is one of the most coveted acts on British television. ITV execs are determined to put it right.
“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’s all about chemistry.
“Everyone is really excited and it looks like Ben and Cat will be a real morale booster on the pitch.”
The new duo’s salary is thought to be around £550,000 each – £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.
The news of Ben moving over to breakfast show Good Morning Britain is sure to make Dermot O’Leary’s nose crazy.
The 50-year-old — who hosted the show on Fridays — stepped in as full-time presenter with Alison Hammond and was the bookies’ favorite to replace Phil.
The source added: “Bosses will certainly move Dermot aside and make sure he stays happy. He is very much a part of the future of the show and is well loved by the staff and production.”
Meanwhile, co-host Josie Gibson, 38, is set to benefit after winning new fans with her appearance on I’m a Celebrity.
The Sun recently revealed she has been in talks to make a more prominent and regular appearance – and can expect a 50 per cent pay rise.
A source said: “Josie will get a new role in the show and get two days a week.”
News of the series’ upcoming announcements comes after a scandal plunged the popular daytime program into crisis.
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.
Show bosses have had to rotate the list of presenters, which also includes Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes, as they search for new Phil and Holly.
TV insiders say the reboot could be delayed until late January or even February.
The source added: “We’ve seen great viewing figures over the past few weeks. The Chiefs are very happy with the current rotation of talent. The key is not to rush anything and find the right formula.”
ITV said: “We do not comment on speculation.”
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The cat proved popular during a recent presentation on the couch on the show Credit: Getty
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Ben’s clean image was seen as a big factor in him getting the no. Credit: Rex
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Josie Gibson is in talks to make a more prominent and regular appearance on This MorningCredit: Rex
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Dermot O’Leary hosts the Friday Show with Alison HammondCredit: Rex
Shephard has been delighting for 25 years
BEN Shephard made his debut on The Bigger Breakfast in 1998 alongside Melanie Sykes and Dermot O’Leary.
In the same year, he helped launch the teenage venture T4 on Channel 4.
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Ben has hosted the ITV quiz show Tipping Point since 2012. Credit: Rex Features
Two years later, he joined GMTV, and eventually got a five-year internship from 2005.
In the same year, he made his first appearance on This Morning.
Since then, he has been a substitute host on the show.
Since 2012, he has hosted the ITV quiz show Tipping Point.
In 2014, he joined Good Morning Britain, which he hosts on Thursdays and Fridays.
Deeley on TV since ’97
CAT Deeley made her TV debut in 1997 on MTV’s Hitlist UK.
She became a household name the following year when she co-hosted SM:TV live with Anto and Dec.
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Cat became a household name when she co-presented SM:TV Live with Anto and DecCredit: Rex Features
In 2002, she hosted the talent show Fame Academy with Patrick Kielty — now her husband and the father of her two children.
She went on to host some of TV’s biggest shows, including Stars in Their Eyes and the Brit Awards.
But in 2006, she started a new life in the American talent show So You Think You Can Dance.
Earlier this year, she auditioned for the This Morning slot, guesting on three episodes.
A near miss
Alison Hammond was even with the bookies.
After the year she’s had, it’s no wonder Alison Hammond was the clear favorite this morning with even odds according to BonusCodeBets.
The star has already landed the big job of co-hosting the BAFTA Film Awards alongside A-list actor Richard E. Grant.
Josie Gibson was 2/1 with the bookies.
Josie Gibson has also become a major part of the This Morning ‘family’ after first joining the program in 2019.
First presenting segments such as live competitions, she impressed viewers with her bubbly personality and infectious energy, and soon earned the position of co-host in 2021.
Ruth Langsford was 9/1 with the bookies.
According to TheSportsDaily.com, Ruth Langsford could make a dramatic return to the This Morning couch.
Ruth, 63, and her husband Eamonn Holmes were controversially axed from the show’s Friday regulars and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Rochelle Humes was 10/1 with the bookies.
Rochelle Humes has been part of the This Morning anchor roster since 2013, when she and her husband Marvin Humes joined the program as additional anchors.
The former Saturdays singer was one of the first celebrity names alongside Craig Doyle to pay tribute to Holly live on air after she left the show.
Rylan Clark was 12/1 with the bookies.
According to TheSportsDaily.com, Rylan had a strong chance of returning to This Morning full-time.
The star became a television staple, first appearing in the Katie Price-fronted Sky modeling series before breaking through in the ninth series of The X Factor.
Amanda Holden was 25/1 with the bookies.
This Morning and Amanda Holden have a serious history.
The actress and TV personality was asked to fill in for Holly when she went on maternity leave in 2014, before she had to audition for Britain’s Got Talent.
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