BEN Shephard and Cat Deeley’s first day on This Morning has officially been confirmed.
The pair will front the ITV Daytime show, after being announced as the new presenters on February 16.
When do Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley start on This Morning?
The Good Morning Britain anchor and former SMTV Live host will be the programme’s latest partnership and ultimate replacements for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
The news confirmed The Sun’s exclusive announcing the fan favourites as permanent fixtures.
During the episode, fronted by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, they told how Ben and Cat will join them “in March.”
It has now been confirmed that Ben will join the show on Monday, March 11, 2024.
Entertainment editor Richard Arnold told GMB viewers that Ben will begin his new chapter on Monday, March 11.
An emotional Richard gave his work pal a big hug and told him “I love you, mate”.
This comes after Ben was featured in a new show trailer which saw him hang his portrait on the wall backstage.
He turned to the camera and said: “See you soon!” before the portrait of Cat flashed a wink to viewers.
Dermot and Alison — who front This Morning‘s Friday instalments — started the episode by cheering: “Ben and Cat welcome to the family!”
This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning
Ben Shephard
Alison exclaimed: “We are so so happy it is finally out.”
Dermot added: “The lovely thing is we know them well,” as he opened up on starting his telly career with Ben on T4.
When does Ben Shephard leave GMB?
Ben had his last day on GMB on Thursday, February 23, 2024.
Announcing his departure, his statement read: “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.”
In her remarks, 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.”
What will Ben Shephard’s salary be on This Morning?
The Sun previously revealed pay for the new duo is understood to be around £550,000 each— £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.
Last October, Holly quit the much-loved ITV daytime series following an alleged kidnap plot.
And in May of 2023, it was revealed how Phillip had an affair with a young employee, which later saw him resign from the show.
Having lost her sidekick of 14 years, Holly then faced a horrific alleged kidnap plot which prompted her decision to resign.
Yet she has happily now returned to the ITV fold to front Dancing On Ice.
Who will replace Ben Shephard on GMB?
The This Morning presenter shake-up begs the question — who will take over Ben’s role on Good Morning Britain?
Neil Roarty, a spokesperson for bettingsites.co.uk, explained: “We certainly seem to be in the midst of a presenter transfer window across several British TV programmes, with Ben Shephard’s reported departure to the This Morning sofa raising the question of who will fill in on the Good Morning Britain panel.
“It’s Adil Ray who is the current favourite with us to assume the vacancy due to his previous experience of hosting the show, with Martin Lewis second in the betting at 4/1.
“Should none of the market favourites be awarded the role, then watch out for the likes of Ed Balls (10/1), Richard Madeley (10/1) and Jeremy Kyle (16/1) – each of whom have been given a reasonable chance of getting the call up.”
Roman Kemp is also officially in the running to replace Ben on GMB.
On February 19, 2024, the Capital FM breakfast show host announced that he will be leaving the radio station to new ventures, saying: “I’ve got quite a big announcement and it is one that is really weird to say out loud.
“It’s really odd, to be honest I had no idea how I start this. So I’ll come out and say it.
“This is going to be my last six weeks on Capital. Which is a weird thing to say.
“It will come and that goodbye will come in five to six weeks.
“It’s not a decision that has come overnight either, it’s massive, I’ve not found it easy at all.”
He continued: “What I can tell you is I’m not saying goodbye right now, I’m not leaving the show today and that’s it, but it’s not far away.”
Betting company Ladbrokes believes that Roman will now replace Ben on the morning news show after quitting Capital.
Their latest odds see Roman on top with 4/1, followed by Adil Ray [5/1], Rylan Clark [6/1] and Alison Hammond [6/1].
“Our traders are putting two and two together here, and with a Ben Shephard shaped hole to fill, the odds suggest Capital’s loss could well be Good Morning Britain’s gain,” Labrokes’ Alex Apati said.