THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!

With plummeting viewing figures and facing a mounting backlash, could Cat Deeley be ready to quit the ITV show?

- GEORGIA TREVITT

It’s been ITV’s flagship daytime show for the past 36 years, but it’s no secret that This Morning’s popularity has dwindled following the exits of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

Earlier this month, it failed to win the Best Daytime Award at the National Television Awards (NTAs) for the second time running, after previously picking up the gong 12 years in a row.

Since becoming the main hosts in March, following Phillip’s departure in May 2023 and then Holly’s five months later, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have faced an increasing backlash. Taking to social media, many viewers have hit out at the show, claiming it isn’t as good as it once was. One said, ‘The show isn’t going to win an award because it’s gone downhill!’ while another added, ‘I’m absolutely happy that This Morning didn’t win again at the #NTAS.’

The duo have also been criticised for their apparent lack of on-screen chemistry, with some branding them ‘vanilla’ and ‘dull’. They also missed out on a Best Presenter nomination, while Friday host Alison Hammond received one.

Opening up about the negative comments, Cat, 47, recently revealed that she would quit the show if it ‘gets too much’. She said, ‘I don’t need to do it. 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.’