This Morning confirms when Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley join ITV show and shake-up programme intro
THIS Morning has confirmed exactly when Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley will front the ITV series after switching up the show intro to feature the two telly stars.
It was revealed today how 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 This Morning news confirms The Sun's exclusive back in December announcing the fan favourites as permanent fixtures.
On Friday's episode, fronted by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, they told how Ben and Cat will join them "in March."
It came after Ben 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.
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Dermot and Alison - who front This Morning's Friday instalments - started the episode by cheering: "Ben and Cat welcome to the family!"
Alison added: "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.
In an ITV statement, Ben confirmed he will leave GMB - where he fronts the early-morning show with BFF Kate Garraway - at the end of the month.
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, 47, 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."
The Sun previously revealed pay for the new duo is understood to be around £550,000 each — £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.
Holly quit the much-loved ITV daytime series last October following an alleged kidnap plot.
Last May, 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.
