Quick Read
- Cat Deeley was absent from ITV’s “This Morning” for a second consecutive day on February 25, 2026.
- Angela Scanlon replaced Deeley as co-host alongside Ben Shephard for both Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows.
- No official explanation for Deeley’s absence has been provided by ITV or her representatives.
- Co-host Ben Shephard jokingly remarked on Instagram that Deeley had “done a runner” and stated on air that “Cat’s away.”
- Viewers expressed confusion and curiosity on social media regarding Deeley’s whereabouts.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Cat Deeley, a popular co-host of ITV’s flagship daytime program This Morning, was notably absent for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Her unexpected disappearance from the show has left viewers questioning her whereabouts, especially after her co-host Ben Shephard made a lighthearted remark about her absence.
Irish presenter Angela Scanlon, known for her roles on The One Show and her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, stepped in to co-host alongside Ben Shephard for both Tuesday and Wednesday’s broadcasts. Despite the continuity provided by Scanlon, who has garnered positive feedback from viewers, no official explanation for Deeley’s absence has been issued by ITV or her representatives, fueling social media speculation.
Cat Deeley’s Absence and Co-Host’s Remarks
Cat Deeley, 49, who joined This Morning in 2024 alongside Ben Shephard after his move from Good Morning Britain, was first absent on Tuesday, February 24. Her co-host, Ben Shephard, 51, addressed her absence briefly on Tuesday’s show, stating, “Cat’s away, so I get a little playdate with Angela for a few days,” as reported by The Mirror. Earlier, on Monday, Shephard had playfully teased Deeley’s upcoming absence on his Instagram Story, joking that “Deeley’s done a runner.”
On Wednesday, as Angela Scanlon returned to the sofa, Shephard simply opened the show by saying, “She’s back for another day. Angela’s here with me again. We’ve got a big show for you today.” The lack of a specific reason for Deeley’s continued absence has prompted a flurry of comments from viewers across social media platforms, with many expressing confusion and curiosity about why their regular presenter was not on screen.
Angela Scanlon Steps In for This Morning
Angela Scanlon, 42, has filled the co-hosting slot with ease and has received warm responses from the audience. Viewers took to social media to praise her presenting style, with comments suggesting she is “brilliant” and a “superb addition” to the team. Scanlon, who shares daughters Ruby and Marnie with her husband Roy Horgan, shared personal anecdotes on air, including details about her daughter Ruby’s eighth birthday, which fell on Wednesday.
This is not Scanlon’s first time on the This Morning set; she previously co-hosted just before Christmas alongside Dermot O’Leary. Her recurring presence and positive reception from the audience highlight the show’s strategy to maintain viewer engagement even amidst unexpected changes in its main presenting lineup.
Ben Shephard’s Recent Transition to This Morning
Ben Shephard’s move to This Morning in 2024 marked a significant shift in his career after a decade on Good Morning Britain. He previously spoke about how the change in schedule, allowing for later wake-up times, had positively impacted his personal life and provided more quality time with his wife, Annie, and their two adult sons. Shephard expressed his excitement about working full-time with the This Morning team, including Cat Deeley, whom he described as a crucial part of the show’s appeal.
The current situation, with Deeley’s unexplained absence, puts a spotlight on the dynamic between the co-hosts and the show’s ability to adapt. While Ben Shephard has continued to lead the program, his playful remarks underline the show’s casual approach to addressing personnel changes, even as viewers seek more definitive answers.
The ongoing absence of a key presenter like Cat Deeley, without an official explanation, underscores the immediate impact on audience engagement and the power of social media in generating discussion and speculation around live television events.