This Morning’s Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard Confirm Break and Will Be Off Air for Weeks

In a surprising announcement just before the start of their show, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard revealed that they will be taking a break from presenting This Morning for several weeks. Fans of the popular ITV daytime programme will have to wait a little longer to see the familiar duo back on screen as the summer season brings a fresh lineup of guest presenters and exciting changes to the show’s schedule.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard Confirm Break from This Morning

On a recent episode of This Morning, just moments before the show began, Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, shared the news that they would be stepping away from the programme for the summer. Speaking directly to viewers, Cat announced, “Morning, so it’s our last show this morning,” while Ben added, “Yes, for the summer.” This announcement came as a surprise to many loyal fans who have grown accustomed to their dynamic presenting style.

The decision to take a break comes as part of ITV’s broader strategy to refresh its daytime lineup during the summer months. While Cat and Ben enjoy their time off, the show will continue with a rotating cast of guest hosts, ensuring that This Morning remains a staple of British daytime television.

Exciting Guest Presenters to Take Over This Morning

ITV has confirmed an exciting roster of guest presenters who will be stepping in to host This Morning throughout the summer. The official ITV Instagram account shared a creative video featuring Polaroid photos of the upcoming presenters laid out on a gingham table, teasing viewers with the star-studded lineup.

Leading the summer schedule are fan favourites Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by a variety of celebrity guest hosts. The list includes Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson, Rochelle Humes, Joel Dommett, Craig Doyle, Sian Welby, and Andi Peters. Additionally, Olivia Attwood, known for her appearances on Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), will be making her debut as a presenter on This Morning.

The show’s Instagram page excitedly announced, “This summer, get ready for the best staycation ever! Holiday from home as some of our favourite faces come together to entertain you. From sofa to sun lounger, brighten up your mornings with our all-star line-up this summer on This Morning.”

The announcement was met with enthusiasm from both the presenters and fans alike. Sian Welby expressed her excitement in the comments, writing, “Can’t wait,” while Alison Hammond responded with a cheerful “Yay.” Olivia Attwood also shared her feelings about joining the daytime team, saying, “It’s a huge honour, I’ve grown up watching this show, and being a part of the daytime team with Loose Women has been the best experience and this feels very natural.”

ITV’s Daytime Schedule Changes and What They Mean for Viewers

Alongside the presenter changes on This Morning, ITV has announced significant adjustments to its daytime programming schedule. Lorraine Kelly’s self-titled show will now air for just 30 minutes, running from 9:30 am to 10 am, and will operate on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks each year.

Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain is set to extend its broadcast time, airing for three and a half hours routinely and stretching to a full four hours during Lorraine’s off-season. Additionally, Loose Women will revert to a 30-week pattern similar to its pre-2016 schedule.

These timetable changes are scheduled to take effect from January 2026, reflecting ITV’s commitment to optimizing daytime viewing experiences and accommodating the evolving preferences of its audience.

This Morning will continue to air on ITV1 every weekday from 10 am and will be available for streaming on ITVX, ensuring that fans can catch up on episodes at their convenience.

Conclusion

With Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard confirmed to be off air for several weeks, This Morning is set to bring fresh energy and excitement through its impressive lineup of guest presenters this summer. ITV’s strategic changes to its daytime schedule promise a dynamic viewing experience for audiences across the UK. Stay tuned to This Morning for your daily dose of entertainment, and don’t forget to check out the new hosts who will be keeping the show lively while Cat and Ben enjoy their well-deserved break.

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