This Morning is welcoming a new host after Holly Willoughby’s exit (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
A new This Morning host has been revealed after Holly Willoughby’s exit.
The Dancing On Ice presenter, 42, quit the ITV daytime programme after 14 years, saying that it was ‘a difficult goodbye’, prompting an outpouring of support from her former co-stars.
While the likes of Alison Hammond and Rylan Clark stepped in to cover, following Phillip Schofield’s departure earlier this year, another host has now been revealed.
Metro.co.uk can confirm SMTV live host Cat Deeley will sit alongside the likes of Rylan and Craig Doyle for certain days next week, while bosses are reportedly continuing to look for Holly and Schofield’s replacements, with previous insiders claiming they were hoping for a married couple.
Cat will be taking her spot on the sofa in just days, on Monday, November 13.
A source said: ‘Cat is seasoned pro and execs have been keen to get her in for a while.
‘She takes live TV in her stride and his really witty and personable with guests.’
Cat Deeley will be hosting This Morning in just days (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Holly’s exit followed Phillip Schofield quitting This Morning after his ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
The insider added to The Sun: ‘She is comfortable interviewing both popstars and politicians, so if it goes well she could be a much more permanent solution to Holly leaving.
‘Cat would be safe captain to steady the ship.’
They also claimed fans ‘can expect to see a lot more’ of Rylan.
Holly’s statement announcing she had quit the show last month read: ‘I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
‘To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.
‘Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.
Cat will be taking to the sofa on Monday (Picture: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Holly was showered in support from her This Morning co-stars (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
‘Richard and Judy said “we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers”. It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.
‘I will miss you all so much. Holly.’
Holly’s former co-stars and fellow TV icons rallied around her, with Alison writing on Instagram: ‘This is a very sad day ! Love you 🥰.’
Craig Doyle added: ‘We are so supportive of you and we love you to bits, we just wish it didn’t end this way. Its a sad day for everyone. 💚.’
‘You have made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW,’ said Josie Gibson.
Friday host Dermot O’Leary penned: ‘Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X.’
Rylan Clark returned to This Morning alongside Josie Gibson (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have also stepped in (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
ITV boss Kevin Lygo also said in a statement the broadcaster was ‘sad’ over Holly’s departure but ‘respect’ her decision.
He continued: ‘Holly is one of the best-loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK.
‘She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.
‘Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously.
‘She remains a much-loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.’
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
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She’ll be taking to the sofa in just days.
