‘I don’t care I’ll quit’ says Cat Deeley as she addresses backlash over being This Morning host

THIS Morning host Cat Deeley says she’ll ‘quit’ the show if the ‘constant scrutiny’ became too much.

Cat and Ben Shephard are the This Morning duo who took over the reins of the ITV daytime staple in March this year, but since fans have become convinced they don’t get on – with ‘heated on-screen moments’ and awkward chats providing ‘clues’ to viewers. 

Cat has also been at the centre of backlash during her time on the show too, with fans making it clear they’d prefer Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary to be the main hosts after Cat, 47, and Ben, 49, took over.

Now, the star has addressed the ‘scrutiny’ and, when asked if it shocked her, said: “Yes! Everyone keeps checking in with me, ‘Are you OK? Are you handling this all right?’”

And asked if she’d quit This Morning if it ever became too much, the presenter told the Sunday Times: “I don’t care. I do not care. If it gets too much for me I’m going to quit.’

“I could stop and be a mum for most of the year and then go and do the shows in America. There is no ulterior motive for me doing this.”

There’s no doubt that since taking over from Holly Willoughby as This Morning‘s main female host Cat has been under scrutiny from the ITV show’s loyal viewers.

She came under fire for her choice of outfit when she showed up in a T-shirt and jeans.

And it took viewers time to get used to Cat and Ben as many recently called for Alison and Dermot to take over.

When Alison posted a picture of her and Dermot dancing on social media, a flurry of people rushed to comment.

One said: “Please you and Dermot to be the main presenters. What is wrong with the producers are they blind? Come bring the fun guys.”

Cat shot into the spotlight in 1998 when she presented the children’s programme SMTV Live, along with Ant and Dec.

Soon after that she hosted Fame Academy on the BBC, and the 2004 Brit Awards.

After this Cat became the presenter of Stars In Their Eyes from 2003 to 2006, taking over from Matthew Kelly.

Since 2006, she has been the host of So You Think You Can Dance in the US.

In 2024, it was revealed that Cat would be the new host of This Morning alongside Ben Shephard.

The duo take over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, who both left the ITV morning show in 2023.

Speaking in a statement at the time, Cat said: “This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships!

“This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show.

“Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it.”