Viewers were left stunned on This Morning today (February 24) after Cat Deeley failed to appear on screen — just one day after returning from the show’s half-term break.
Instead, fans were greeted by Ben Shephard alongside Irish presenter Angela Scanlon, sparking immediate speculation and a flurry of social-media reaction.
Just a day earlier (February 23), Cat and Ben had resumed hosting duties on This Morning following their short break. But despite ITV’s continuity announcer confirming both presenters would front Tuesday’s episode, Cat was nowhere to be seen once the show began.
Angela Scanlon Steps In as Cat Vanishes from Screen
As the programme opened, viewers quickly realised something was off. While Ben addressed the audience as normal, he did not explain Cat’s absence in detail — only hinting that she would be away for “a couple of days.”
Introducing Angela as his temporary co-host, Ben jokingly referred to her as his “play date” for the morning.
Asked about her half-term break, Angela laughed that it had felt like a “boxing match” — before quickly clarifying it had been a “lovely, cuddly boxing match” with her children.
Angela shares daughters Ruby Ellen, seven, and Marnie Fae, four, with husband Roy Horgan, whom she married in 2014. She also revealed that Ruby is set to celebrate her eighth birthday tomorrow (February 25).
Entertainment Daily has since contacted ITV for comment regarding Cat’s unexplained absence.
‘Deeley’s Done a Runner!’ Ben Teases Viewers Ahead of Show
Speculation intensified after Ben shared a video on Instagram the day before, teasing Tuesday’s episode.
“Deeley’s done a runner,” he joked, before revealing that Cat would not be joining him and that he would instead have a “special playmate for a play date.”
Confirming the stand-in presenter, Ben added:
“The gorgeous Angela Scanlon will be joining me as well!”
He also previewed the day’s guests, including Louise Redknapp and Martin Lewis.
Viewers React as Social Media Lights Up
It didn’t take long for viewers to notice Cat’s absence — and many were quick to comment online.
One viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The continuity announcer obviously didn’t get the memo re Cat #ThisMorning.”
Another asked simply:
“No Cat today? #ThisMorning.”
Others were less sympathetic, with one remarking:
“No cackling Cat today… thank God. Now to get rid of Shephard #ThisMorning.”
Meanwhile, some viewers welcomed the shake-up, with one writing:
“I’m quite liking Angela presenting today.”
For now, the exact reason behind Cat Deeley’s sudden disappearance from the sofa remains a mystery — leaving fans watching closely for her next move.
