'Swapping Kate for Cat!' Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard bid each other emotional farewell

Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard bid each other an emotional farewell as it was confirmed that he’s leaving Good Morning Britain.

On Friday, ITV officially announced that Ben and Cat Deeley will be taking the reigns of This Morning following Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s departures.

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As Ben prepares to swap ITV shows and ‘Kate for Cat’, he paid a sweet tribute to his ‘on-screen wife’ of 24 years, saying: ‘I’ve loved hosting Good Morning Britain over the past 10 years since it launched.’

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway. Pic: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hearst

‘When I left GMTV, I always swore I’d never go back because of the early mornings and it goes to show how wrong I was,’ Ben continued. ‘I’m grateful that my extended GMB family is only next door so that whenever I get nostalgic, I know I’m not going to be far away. Although I’ll miss being on screen with them, my later starts mean I may be able to hang out with them all a bit more!’

‘One of the hardest decisions of course is knowing that my mornings with Kate, my on-screen wife of nearly 20 years, is coming to an end,’ Ben emotionally said. ‘Her journey has been well documented, and I think we would all agree how remarkable she has been over the last four years.’

Cat Deeley with her husband Patrick Kielty at the wedding of Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett in 2021 in Hampshire. Pic: GC Images

‘I won’t miss the mess but I’ve learned so much from her, as I have from all of the people I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside.’

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Ben Shepherd and Kate Garraway on Good Morning britain. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

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In an emotional tribute of her own Kate, who recently lost her husband Derek Draper, wrote: ‘Massive congrats to [Ben] on the [This Morning] gig. You’ll be SOOOOO missed by EVERYONE GMB viewers and the team alike & of course especially me.’

Ben Shephard on Good Morning Britain. Pic: REX

‘BUT after 24 years hard labour by my side no one will begrudge you time off for good behaviour!!!,’ Kate joked. ‘Good luck swapping early starts for (a bit) of a lie in and a Kate for a Cat! Can’t wait to see you – you’ll have a ball.’

Cat replied with the sweetest comment, promising she’ll ‘take care of him’ for Kate. ‘Thank you so much Kate! I’ll take care of him for you …Sending you love,’ she wrote.

Alison Hammond, who also presents on This Morning, sent her congratulations to Ben as well, writing: ‘Gonna be wonderful, so happy for him . So deserved.’

Speaking as her role on This Morning was confirmed, 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!

Rylan Clark and Cat Deeley on ‘This Morning’ TV show. Pic: REX

‘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.’