Cat Deeley will be ‘replacing’ Holly Willoughby on This Morning after exit

Cat Deeley has been tipped to ‘replace’ Holly Willoughby on This Morning after the presenter left the show earlier this year.

Holly, 42, announced she was stepping down as a regular host on the show last month, saying that she’d made the decision for her and her family.

The bombshell news came after it was revealed that Holly was set to go on 'indefinite leave' from This Morning following an alleged plot to kidnap her.

"I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," she said.

"To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much," she continued. "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.

ITV

"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'."

Holly added: "It's been an honour to just be part of its 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. Holly."

Since her departure, many fans have wondered who could be filling her shoes, with the likes of Alison Hammond, Rylan Clarke, Dermot O'Leary, Josie Gibson, Rochelle Humes and Craig Doyle having since stepped in.

However, according to an insider, the team at ITV have a name in mind - none other than SM:TV Live presenter Cat Deeley, who has been working over in the States for a number of years fronting So You Think You Can Dance?

A source told The Sun: "Cat is seasoned pro and execs have been keen to get her in for a while. She takes live TV in her stride and his really witty and personable with guests.

Instagram/@catdeeley

"She is comfortable interviewing both popstars and politicians, so if it goes well she could be a much more permanent solution to Holly leaving."

The mum-of-two was living across the pond but moved back to the UK at the beginning of the pandemic with her family.

The source added: "Cat would be safe captain to steady the ship.

"Rylan was a resounding success too so fans can expect to see a lot more of him in the future."

A spokesperson for ITV confirmed that Cat Deeley would be joining the presenting team, hosting alongside Rylan.

They told The Sun: "Cat Deeley and Rylan will host This Morning together on Monday and Tuesday, Cat will host with Craig Doyle on Wednesday, then Alison Hammond and Craig on Thursday. Alison and Dermot will host the show together as usual on Friday."

According to the source, ITV bosses are also potentially keen to sign up her husband Patrick Kielty, 52, who is also a well-known presenter and comedian.

However, he’s currently tied up in Northern Ireland as the host of The Late Late Show, which airs on Fridays between September and May.