This Morning's turbulent hosting history as Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are set to takeover: Frosty feuds, Queuegate and Phillip Schofield's affair scandal

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are set to takeover as permanent hosts of This Morning after a rocky year for the ITV daytime programme.

The show has been shrouded in a string of controversies which ultimately led to the shock departure of Phillip Schofield, 61, after 21 years last May.

Holly Willoughby, 43, continued to present on but stepped down suddenly in October after a terrifying kidnap and murder plot against her.

Bosses have worked tirelessly to find the right presenting duo to help restore the show’s award-winning reputation with Cat, 47, and Ben, 49, to begin their new roles on March 11.

Here we take a look at how the show has overcome some of its biggest controversies – from Queuegate to frosty feuds and an affair scandal.

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are set to takeover as permanent hosts of This Morning after a rocky year for the ITV daytime programme

Bosses have worked tirelessly to find the right presenting duo to help restore the show’s award-winning reputation with Cat, 47, and Ben, 49, to begin their new roles on March 11

Eamonn Holmes‘ bizarre Coronavirus conspiracy theory  

In 2020, Eamonn was branded ‘irresponsible’ for saying it suits the ‘state narrative’ to dismiss bizarre theories linking the 5G network to the spread of the coronavirus

In 2020, Eamonn was branded ‘irresponsible’ for saying it suits the ‘state narrative’ to dismiss bizarre theories linking the 5G network to the spread of the coronavirus.

He spoke out on the ITV show after presenter Alice Beer branded the conspiracy theories which link them as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘incredibly stupid’.

He said: ‘I totally agree with everything you are saying but what I don’t accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don’t know it’s not true.

‘No-one should attack or damage or do anything like that but it’s very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative.’

The presenter added: ‘That’s all I would say, as someone with an inquiring mind.’

His made the remarks after scientists dismissed any link, calling it a ‘physical and biological impossibility’ and branding conspiracy theorists ‘a public health danger”.

Viewers criticised the presenter’s comments and accused him of ‘legitimising’ the conspiracy theories.

Phillip accuses Fern Britton of ‘memory loss’ over BAFTA  invite 

Former co-hosts: Phil and Fern presented the show together from 2002 to 2009 but have lost touch in the years since

Fern co-hosted This Morning with Phillip between 1999 and 2009. The pair had a well-publicised fallout.

She said: ‘Like Morecambe and Wise, we chose not to live in each other’s pockets. We were a great professional partnership but we never went on holiday together.’

Their feud was back in the spotlight in 2018 when Fern appeared on This Morning via video link for the show’s 30th anniversary and claimed she wasn’t invited to the show’s BAFTA ceremony.

Speaking to Phil, she said: ‘Congrats on the BAFTA. That was absolutely wonderful and brilliant. I would have loved to have been there but I didn’t get an invitation.’

Phil was quick to dispute this, saying Fern was on stage in Scotland at the time but she replied: ‘I wasn’t on Monday night, I would have come but I wasn’t invited.’

The TV star later suggested on Twitter that Fern was suffering from ‘memory loss’ and the team would have loved to have had her there.

Phillip also revealed Fern never got in touch with him after he came out as gay on This Morning in 2020, but she did message his wife Steph, saying: ‘When I came out, she didn’t text me. She did text Steph though, which was really kind.’

Amanda Holden  feud 

Amanda Holden, 53, has not shied away from making her feelings known about the presenter over the years (pictured in 2015)

Amanda Holden, 53, has not shied away from making her feelings known about the presenter over the years.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge previously said she believes that in 2018, Phillip sabotaged her chances of filling in on This Morning while Holly Willoughby hosted I’m A Celeb.

Rochelle Humes landed the presenting job while Phillip’s regular co-host Holly took over Ant McPartlin’s hosting duties for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.

According to The Sun, Amanda expressed she felt ‘let down’ by her friend Phillip when she found out she didn’t get the position and it went to Rochelle.

She had previously filled in for Holly when the This Morning star took a year off the show to have her third child, Chester, now seven, in October 2014.

A former daytime TV executive previously told The Sun: ‘Phillip actively campaigned for Rochelle to get the job despite Amanda being more experienced – and having been told privately she’d got the gig.’

Phil’s feud with Ruth and Eamonn 

Back in the day: Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford, Holly and Phillip used to be the faces of This Morning  (pictured in 2020)

Meanwhile, Phil’s conflict with Eamonn and Ruth all kicked off in 2019 when it was reported Ruth had filed a complaint against Phil to ITV bosses.

Fans speculated the complaint may have been down to an awkward moment between the pair caught on camera that year.

Ruth appeared at the end of an episode of This Morning to preview what was coming up on Loose Women and was cut off by Phil while she was speaking.

Phil said: ‘Guys, we’re going to have to jump in there and stop you I’m afraid because we’re a bit tight for time at this end. Thank you, Ruth.’

Ruth, who clearly looked unimpressed with the interruption, responded: ‘Well I only had about two more words to say,’ and looked away from the camera.

Eamonn co-hosted the ITV daytime show with his wife Ruth Langsford from 2006 until August 2021, until being ‘dropped’ by ITV and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

Queuegate 

Holly and Phil came under fire in 2022 when they were accused of having ‘VIP access’ to skip the queue and file past the Queen lying in state. Which the stars and ITV both denied

ITV bosses posted a statement (above) on Instagram which denied the pair had received special treatment

Holly and Phil came under fire in 2022 when they were accused of having ‘VIP access’ to skip the queue and file past the Queen lying in state. Which the stars and ITV both denied.

Following the death of the monarch, Holly and Phillip attended the lying in state and claimed they were there to film for work purposes.

However because no footage from the day was aired, critics accused them of queue jumping in front of mourners who had waited hours for their moment to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In September, This Morning bosses denied show hosts Holly and Phillip had ‘VIP access’ and filed ‘past the Queen lying in state’ as they filmed a segment for the programme at Westminster Hall in London.

ITV bosses posted a statement on Instagram which denied the pair had received special treatment: ‘Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme,’ it read.

‘They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event.’

Despite the support from the broadcaster, there is no denying that public perception towards the pair had soured due to the events that unfolded.

Things were also strained between Phillip and Holly, with studio insiders claiming that the atmosphere was ‘awful’ and there relationship was ‘extremely awkward’.

The programme received more than 400 Ofcom complaints from viewers  and a petition on Change.org to get Phillip and co-host Holly axed from This Morning following the scandal reached almost 79,000 signatures.

Booed at the NTAS

Holly and Phil were booed as they accepted the Best Daytime Award at the National Television Awards 2022 in the aftermath of the ‘queuegate’ scandal.

Despite the criticism the broadcasters received, which some said was so severe it was impacting their mental health, This Morning still took home the Daytime gong.

While he did not address the controversy, Phillip said the award means ‘so much to us every year, especially this year’.

‘Please don’t think we ever get complacent and please don’t think we ever take it for granted. This means so much to us every year, especially this year. We have the best boss.’

Holly added: ‘This Morning has a very special relationship with you, you make our show for us, you really do. All these guys on the stage here, Alison [Hammond] and Dermot [O’Leary], Rochelle [Humes] and Vernon [Kay], Josie [Gibson], everyone. Thank you for all your support.’

Holly and Phil were booed as they accepted the Best Daytime Award at the National Television Awards 2022 in the aftermath of the ‘queuegate’ scandal

Despite the criticism the broadcasters received, which some said was so severe it was impacting their mental health, This Morning still took home the Daytime gong

The widespread backlash sparked concerns for their mental wellbeing, particularly after it was revealed Schofield would not return to his lucrative We Buy Any Car deal.

A TV source said: ‘The abuse has been nothing short of disgusting, not least as they have done nothing wrong and were fully entitled to media accreditation so they could inform their viewers.

‘There is huge, real and serious concerns over their wellbeing and ITV are fully supporting them behind the scenes in the face of such relentless trolling. The channel backs them 110 per cent.’

Phillip affair scandal

Phillip made a bombshell confession to the Mail that he had a relationship with a much younger man who worked with him on This Morning while still married to wife Stephanie Lowe.

Holly was at the centre of the fallout from Phillip’s affair as critics questioned whether she knew of her co-star’s ‘deceit’ or if she too was hoodwinked by the presenter. She later confirmed she was in the dark over the affair.

Phillip further confessed that he lied to his employer ITV, to his colleagues, his friends and his agents at the management firm YMU and stepped down from This Morning after 21 years.

Phillip’s former colleague Eamonn then took to social media to make a string of allegations, suggesting station bosses knew of claims against Phillip and ‘never once took action’ – leaving the future of ITV’s flagship magazine programme hanging in the balance.

Naturally, attention turned to Holly – who sat alongside Phillip on daytime TV’s most famous sofa for 13 years, and who enjoyed a very public friendship with him and wife Stephanie, even holidaying together most years.

Phillip made a bombshell confession to the Mail that he had a relationship with a much younger man who worked with him on This Morning while still married to wife Stephanie Lowe

Holly returned to This Morning after Phillip stepped down and was supported by Josie Gibson

Phil pictured with his estranged wife Stephanie in 2018

The co-stars had previously plastered holiday snaps all over Instagram, showing them doing shots and posing in the sunshine, with Phillip labelling Holly his ‘bestie’. He also described her as ‘my rock’ when reports of their feud emerged earlier this month.

When Phillip came out as gay in 2020, Holly wrote on Instagram that she had ‘never been more proud of my friend than I am today’ and was said to have thrown her support behind Stephanie in the lead up to and aftermath of the announcement.

However, when she learned of his relationship with the younger colleague, the TV star claimed she was finding out with the rest of the world.

Holly slammed her former ‘bestie’ following the revelations of his affair – and friends have said it was ‘traumatic’ for her to discover his dishonesty.

Holly said in a brief statement that she asked him directly if the news was true and that it had been ‘very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie’.

Sources close to the presenter said it had been a ‘traumatic’ revelation for the This Morning host and a ‘time of real sadness’ as Phillip ‘was her very close friend’.

Holly took an extended half term break while dealing with the revelations and returned to the This Morning sofa on June 5.

Similarly, in his interview with The Sun, the presenter apologised to Holly or lying to her about his relationship, saying: ‘I’ve lost my best friend.’

He added: ‘I let her down. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down.

‘Holly did not know and she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say: ‘I am so, so sorry that I lied to you’.

‘She didn’t reply and I understand why she didn’t reply as well. So, yeah, if anyone is in any way linking Holly to this, that is absolutely, wholly untrue.’

The duo, had presented the show together since 2009 and also co-hosted Dancing On Ice.

NTAs snub

Holly was snubbed from the TV presenter category for the second year in a row at the National Television Awards after the affair furore.

Holly and Phil had been longlisted for the best TV presenter prize, alongside fellow This Morning hosts Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, Rylan Clark and Martin Lewis, but only Alison and Martin made the cut.

However, This Morning was nominated for best daytime show despite the affair scandal but later lost out to The Repair Shop.

Holly, who hosted alongside Phillip from 2009 onwards, continued to present the show with a series of co-stars, while MPs called on ITV bosses to address claims of toxicity and bullying behind the scenes.

Out: Holly was snubbed from the TV presenter category for the second year in a row at the National Television Awards after the affair furore

Kidnap and murder plot 

Holly’s exit from the ITV show comes after a former Pizza Hut worker was remanded in custody over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.

Gavin Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, is accused of offences including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap in relation to the broadcaster, allegedly contacting a hitman in the U.S. and booking him flights.

Insiders told MailOnline the alleged plot pushed Holly to quit, but added it had been in chaos since Phillip’s exit.

Holly’s exit from the ITV show comes after a former Pizza Hut worker was remanded in custody over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her

The TV presenter pulled out of hosting This Morning and her London home was reportedly being guarded by police after Plumb was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

Holly’s full statement said: ‘I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.

‘To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.

‘Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.

‘Richard and Judy said we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers’. It’s been an honour to just be part of it’s story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.

‘I will miss you all so much.’

An ITV boss said the broadcaster is looking forward to working with Holly ‘in the future’ following the news she is quitting This Morning.

In a statement, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, told MailOnline: ‘We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make.

‘Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.’

ITV stand-off with Cat 

This Morning’s new permanent host Cat was said to be in a stand-off with ITV bosses over her new post and her long-time role on So You Think You Can Dance (pictured on the show in November)

Towards the end of 2023, ITV had decided they were unable to lure Cat, with the additional issue of her husband Patrick Kielty’s (left) prior commitment on Ireland’s Late Late Show

Cat also reportedly requested Rylan Clark as her cohost, rather than Ben

With Cat Deeley finally settled on as the new presenter in waiting, alongside the previously-touted Ben, a series of talks ensued.

There were a number of sticking points including the to-be host reportedly being told that she would not be allowed to take time off to film the next series of So You Think You Can Dance.

A source told the Mail: ‘Cat won’t be given any special treatment, if she signs up then she won’t be given the time off to go back to America.

‘So You think You Can Dance is a huge commitment. She will absolutely not be given time off to film the next series of So You Think You Can Dance.’

Another potential roadblock was Cat’s keenness to present next to popular BBC Radio 2 star Rylan Clarke, while This Morning’s powers that be were set on Ben.

Cat had anchored the show with Rylan for a couple of episodes in the summer of 2023.

Towards the end of 2023, ITV had decided they were unable to lure Cat, with the additional issue of her husband Patrick Kielty’s prior commitment on Ireland’s Late Late Show.

He has to be in Dublin from Tuesday until Friday, while Ms Deeley would be required to host This Morning from Monday to Thursday.

After they decided they were unable to get Cat, they tried to get Emma Willis to take the job but she could not commit to the four day week.

Ben was also reportedly unwilling to sign without knowing who his co-host would be.

Cat and Ben finally announced

On February 16, 2024, Cat and Ben were finally confirmed as the upcoming regulars to take over from Holly and Phil on the show’s X account

On February 16, 2024, Cat and Ben were finally confirmed as the upcoming regulars to take over from Holly and Phil, nine months after the iconic duo were broken apart by Schofield’s departure.

It had been claimed that Cat was finally won round with a more lucrative deal, but insiders at ITV denied the claims – insisting it was the ability to spend more time with family which sealed the deal.

Ben said: ‘This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job…

‘For the last ten years I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat…

‘Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.’

Cat added: ‘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.’

This Morning’s Editor, Martin Frizell said: ‘The team and I have relished the opportunity to try new things these past few months and remind viewers what a massively talented team both on and off screen we have here at This Morning…

‘We can’t wait to welcome Ben and Cat fully into the fold next month and witness the start of another exciting chapter in the show’s 35 year journey.’

Managing Director, ITV Studios Daytime, Emma Gormley added: ‘I feel immensely proud of everyone working on This Morning – for a programme that has evolved many times over the last 35 years, it remains just as relevant and exciting as ever…

‘We are thrilled to have Ben and Cat as our new This Morning hosts and cannot wait to see them on that famous sofa together soon.’