Angela Scanlon Steps In on This Morning Cat Deeley Absence as Fans React
Angela Scanlon stepped in on Tuesday after Ben Shephard told viewers that Cat Deeley was "away, " a surprise change that left some viewers questioning the presenter lineup. The appearance matters because it replaced Deeley's usual role minutes into the ITV programme and prompted immediate social-media reaction.
This Morning Cat Deeley 'away' announced by Ben Shephard
Minutes into the ITV programme Ben Shephard welcomed Angela Scanlon and bluntly explained that "Cat is away, " offering no further details on Deeley's absence. Shephard, 51, opened the show with a warm introduction for Scanlon and described the substitution as "like a little play date with Angela, " noting that he and Cat had co-hosted the previous day on Monday.
Angela Scanlon's Tuesday studio appearance and opening exchange
Scanlon replied "Lovely to be here" and the pair moved quickly into light conversation about family life. When Shephard asked about half-term, Scanlon joked it had been "like a boxing match, " clarifying she has a four-year-old and a soon-to-be eight-year-old who "turns eight tomorrow. " She told viewers they had "birthday bangs" the day before — a birthday haircut she likened to a Hannah Montana–inspired look — and said the children were now back at school, which Shephard called "a relief for everybody. " She closed the segment with a fond sign-off to her children: "Thank you. Goodbye. Love you. "
Scanlon's background, age and family
Angela Scanlon, 42, is identified on air as a familiar presenter who has hosted The One Show and appeared on Strictly in 2023. The programme also described her as a Celebrity Apprentice star. She shares daughters Ruby and Marnie with Roy Horgan and co-hosts a podcast with Vicky Pattison, details Scanlon referenced during the studio chatter.
Outfit choice highlighted: River Island, Zara and ASOS
The broadcast noted Scanlon's high-street outfit choices, describing a River Island jacket, Zara trousers and ASOS heels as the pieces she championed on screen. The wardrobe commentary accompanied the warm, informal tone of the morning exchange.
Viewer reaction, continuity blunder and programme rundown
Viewers took to social media to express bewilderment at Deeley's absence. One post asked, "No Cat today?" while another pointed out what was described as a continuity announcer blunder, saying, "The continuity announcer obvs didn't get the memo re Cat. " On the programme Shephard and Scanlon outlined segments to come, including guests Nick Ferrari and Ashley James to discuss headlines, and a bulletin referencing a development that a person "has been released on bail after Peter Mandelson's arrest last night on suspicion of misconduct in public office. " Shephard also teased a nostalgic fashion segment, noting the 1990s era that produced the Spice Girls, Friends and the return of certain trends such as Snake.
What makes this notable is how quickly a routine hosting change translated into audience scrutiny and on-air adjustments: the cause — Shephard's brief announcement that Cat Deeley was "away" — led directly to Scanlon stepping in, viewers questioning continuity, and producers pushing forward a planned rundown that included current affairs and cultural pieces.
Unclear in the provided context: the reasons for Cat Deeley's absence were not disclosed during the broadcast and have not been clarified on air.
