Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been announced as the new presenters of This Morning, ITV announced on Friday.
The couple, aged 47 and 49 respectively, have been in talks for several months following the exit of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
The news was confirmed by a bespoke promo on This Morning's Twitter, in which Ben walks through This Morning's familiar production corridor and hangs a new photo of Cat on the wall, before turning to the camera as the photo comes to life.
Ben said: “It's a really special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning.” It's an honor to be entrusted with the leadership, Alison and Dermot and the entire team that works on and working next to the screen, connecting and doing such great work.
“For the last ten years I have been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and now I look forward to spending time with Cat…
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been announced as the new presenters of This Morning, ITV announced on Friday
“Welcome viewers home after the school run or from their early morning program with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so popular.”
Cat added: “This Morning is a national institution.” Whenever it's on it's like having your friends with you – funny, smart, silly, warm, informative and joyful – like all great friendships!…
“This Morning is and will always be the viewer’s show. “Ben and I both know how much people love it and with the help of a great team we will do our best to take care of it.”
Sources at the network say they are “thrilled” about the couple's signing after “so many obstacles had to be overcome to get there,” according to a source. Her appointment will be discussed on Friday's episode of This Morning.
The Mail initially revealed the duo were top of the list, but in December Cat turned down the role because she was unable to commit the time to the show.
However, after further negotiations and the offer of more money, she agreed. A source said: “The cat was the one they always wanted and they finally have her. “It's incredible news for them.”
This Morning's new permanent presenter Cat is said to be at loggerheads with ITV bosses over her new post and her long-running role on So You Think You Can Dance (pictured on the show in November).
It comes after it was revealed Cat is in a standoff with ITV bosses over her new post and long-running role on So You Think You Can Dance.
Last month, insiders revealed Cat and Ben had landed the coveted roles as permanent presenters following the departure of A-listers Holly and Phil.
It was claimed that Cat wanted Rylan Clark as co-host instead of Ben and would receive “no special treatment” in allowing her Monday-Thursday role on This Morning and continuing her £344,000-a-season role on the American dance show .
Sources revealed: “Cat will not be getting any special treatment… There is no way she will be getting time off to film the next season of So You Think You Can Dance. So she has to make that decision, it’s one or the other, end.”
Cat was said to have “really wanted” the job but had concerns about her husband Patrick Kielty's commitments in Ireland and how they would juggle the jobs.
The insider continued: “Cat told friends that she wanted the job if she made it.” However, she also feared that Patrick's commitments in Ireland would make it very difficult for her to take the job. She really wanted to do it with Rylan too.'
When reports of Cat joining the show first emerged last year, it was said she and Ben would receive an annual salary of £555,000.
Although the salary was high, it paled in comparison to former hosts Holly and Phil, who were reported to have received £700,000 a year for their roles.
However, Cat is not short of money as she currently earns at least £344,000 per season hosting So You Think You Can Dance in the US, where she is reportedly paid £43,000 per episode.
The new series is scheduled to air in March and Cat will split her time filming between the US and UK.
Cat has no shortage of money as she currently earns at least £344,000 per season as host of So You Think You Can Dance in the US, where she is reportedly paid £43,000 per episode.
It was claimed that Cat wanted Rylan Clark as co-host instead of Ben and would receive “no special treatment” in allowing her Monday-Thursday role on This Morning and continuing her £344,000-a-season role on the American dance show