This Morning fans will see a temporary change in their favorite presenting duo as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley take a break from the ITV show. 

The pair, who were officially announced as the permanent hosts last year, are stepping away for a short time over the half-term holiday,

leading to an immediate shake-up in the presenting lineup.

Ben Shephard Confirms Time Off

Ben Shephard, 50, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the news with his followers. 

The presenter confirmed that both he and Cat Deeley, 48, would be absent from the show for a brief period.

In his post, Ben wrote:

“Ahhh lovely end of the week for me and @catdeeley. Thanks for all your messages. I hope everyone is ready for some hardcore Valentine’s/Palentine’s/Galentine’s (delete where appropriate) action!! We’ll be back in the studio after half term!!”

Fans were quick to respond to the announcement, sending their well-wishes and hoping the pair enjoy their time off. Some commented, “Have a super weekend off,” while others added, “Enjoy your break, happy Valentine’s Day from sunny NZ,” and “Always nice to see you on, Ben. Enjoy your half term.”

Who Will Replace Ben and Cat?

ITV has yet to officially confirm who will step in during their absence. However, in a similar situation last October, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary took over hosting duties. Given their experience as presenters on This Morning, it’s possible they could return once again.

When Ben and Cat took a scheduled seven-week summer break last year, a rotation of guest presenters, including Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Rylan Clark, Rochelle Humes, Joel Dommett, and Sian Welby, helped to fill the gap. A similar arrangement may be put in place for this short-term shake-up.

Ben and Cat’s Journey as This Morning Hosts

The duo were officially named as This Morning’s permanent presenters in February 2023, following a period of major changes on the show. Their debut came on March 11, marking a fresh start for the ITV morning program after a tumultuous period involving the departures of long-time hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

Sources from the network revealed that ITV executives were thrilled to have secured both Ben and Cat as a presenting pair. However, their appointment wasn’t without hurdles. Cat was initially hesitant to take on the role due to the time commitment required for the daily show. Despite initially turning down the opportunity, further negotiations—and an improved financial offer—eventually convinced her to join Ben as the face of This Morning.

A source at the time said, “Cat was the one they wanted all along and finally they have her. It is incredible news for them.”

A Turbulent Time for This Morning

Ben and Cat’s arrival came after one of the most dramatic shake-ups in This Morning’s history. Holly Willoughby exited the show in October 2023, citing concerns for her family’s safety after it was revealed she was the target of a foiled kidnap and murder plot.

Her decision to step down came just months after Phillip Schofield’s high-profile departure. Phillip left in May 2023 following the revelation of his affair with a younger male colleague, a scandal that also exposed deep tensions between him and Holly behind the scenes.

With both long-standing hosts gone, ITV faced a major challenge in selecting a new presenting team that could restore stability to the show. The appointment of Ben and Cat was seen as a fresh start, with the duo bringing their own style and chemistry to the role.

What’s Next for This Morning?

While Ben and Cat are set to return after their short break, their temporary absence will give viewers a chance to see other familiar faces take the reins. Fans of the show will be eagerly awaiting ITV’s announcement on who will step in during their time off.

Despite this minor shake-up, This Morning continues to be a staple of British television, airing on ITV1 and available to stream on ITVX. With Ben and Cat firmly established as the show’s main hosts, they are expected to continue leading the program for the foreseeable future once they return to the studio.

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