ITV has officially confirmed who will step in to replace Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning, after the presenting duo announced they will be temporarily vacating the iconic blue sofa.
The move has instantly sent shockwaves through loyal viewers, with fans desperate to know which familiar faces will now take control of the long-running daytime show.
Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, have become staples of the ITV programme, fronting the show four days a week and building a warm rapport with audiences across the country.
Now, producers have revealed the full list of presenters who will take the reins during their absence — and it’s a star-studded line-up.
Producers have revealed that Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond will lead the star-studded lineup of replacementsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
A behind-the-scenes video posted on This Morning’s official Instagram page teased the new combinations, featuring a collage of Polaroid snaps laid across a checked tablecloth.
The show’s former showbiz guru Rylan Clark will once again take to the airwavesCredit: Rex
Leading the replacement roster are Friday favourites Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who will anchor several episodes together.
Former X Factor host Dermot will also be paired with ex-Love Island star Olivia Attwood, while Rochelle Humes of The Saturdays is set to make her return alongside Dermot once again.
Producers have also decided to bring together former Big Brother host Emma Willis with I’m A Celebrity favourite Joel Dommett, while ITV daytime legend Andi Peters will join Emma on the sofa for a separate presenting stint.
Craig Doyle is expected to host with The Voice star Sian Welby, and the Capital Radio DJ will also team up with fan-favourite Rylan Clark.
Rylan will later reunite with longtime This Morning contributor Josie Gibson, forming a high-energy duo that has already proven popular with viewers.
Josie, who has been part of the programme since 2019, has quietly become one of the show’s most reliable behind-the-scenes figures, and insiders say her new on-screen role reflects the trust producers have placed in her.
The confirmed presenting line-up is as follows:
Who Will Replace Cat Deeley And Ben Shephard?
Alison Hammond & Dermot O’Leary
Dermot O’Leary & Olivia Attwood
Rochelle Humes & Dermot O’Leary
Emma Willis & Joel Dommett
Andi Peters & Emma Willis
Craig Doyle & Sian Welby
Sian Welby & Rylan Clark
Rylan Clark & Josie Gibson
The shake-up has sparked intense discussion among fans, many of whom are now speculating about the real story behind Cat and Ben’s departure — with some hinting there may be more going on behind closed doors than ITV is letting on.
This Morning continues to air weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/