Cat Deeley Shares Holly Willoughby’s Touching Gesture When She Joined This Morning

Cat Deeley has recently opened up about how deeply she was moved by a gift from Holly Willoughby following the announcement that Deeley would be replacing Willoughby on the morning TV show “This Morning.”

Deeley, who is 47 and started her presenting career on ITV’s children’s show SMTV Live, stepped into Willoughby’s role in March. This change occurred after Willoughby, a longtime presenter, decided to leave following a tumultuous period in her personal and professional life. Deeley shared that she signed her contract with ITV once she successfully negotiated a four-day work week and summers off.

After the official announcement, Willoughby showed a gracious gesture by sending Deeley a beautiful bouquet of flowers along with a handwritten card. Deeley expressed how much this gesture meant to her during an interview, describing it as a “really classy move” that truly touched her.

While the two presenters have not had a chance to meet in person since the transition, Deeley expressed her hope that they will catch up in the future. She also refuted the common narrative of women being pitted against each other in the industry, saying that it is not true.

The past year was turbulent for “This Morning.” In June 2023, Phillip Schofield, Willoughby’s long-term presenting partner, left the show after admitting to lying about an affair with a younger colleague. Willoughby continued hosting the show for several months but chose to step down in October after facing a frightening situation. A man named Gavin Plumb was arrested for plotting to abduct and murder her. He was later sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years.

In February 2024, Deeley and Ben Shephard, a presenter from “Good Morning Britain,” were announced as the permanent replacements for Willoughby and Schofield. Deeley stepped into her new role the following month and has been enjoying the experience despite its challenges.

Deeley shared her enthusiasm for her new role, saying she is fascinated by the diverse range of guests and stories featured on the show. “I’d never done something like this before, but I just love it!” she said. “I love the fact Britain’s most tattooed mum is a careworker. I love that rich tapestry of life.”

Nevertheless, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. Recently, Deeley faced criticism from the Epilepsy Society for a comment she made. Attempting to joke about her dancing on camera, she said, “I’m fine, I’m just having a seizure.” She subsequently apologized, clarifying that her comment was meant to make fun of herself and acknowledging that her words might have been taken the wrong way.

Reflecting on this incident, Deeley explained, “I was obviously mocking myself and my dancing. However, if people did take it the wrong way I’m incredibly sorry.”

Deeley also addressed the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. She said that people around her are constantly checking in to make sure she is doing okay. However, she has a clear boundary if the job ever becomes too overwhelming. “If it gets too much for me I’m going to quit,” she stated. Deeley emphasized that her primary motivation is not career advancement or ulterior motives but rather a genuine enjoyment of the job. If needed, she would readily leave to focus on being a mother for most of the year while possibly doing shows in America.

Source: The Sunday Times, ITV, Epilepsy Society