This Morning Cat Deeley absent as Angela Scanlon steps in

Ben Shephard announced minutes into Tuesday's broadcast that this morning cat deeley was missing from the studio and Angela Scanlon would replace her. The brief on-air exchange left viewers questioning Deeley’s absence as Scanlon and Shephard moved straight into the day's show.

This Morning Cat Deeley absence confirmed by Ben Shephard

Minutes into the ITV programme on Tuesday, Ben Shephard opened by welcoming Angela Scanlon and explained simply that "Cat is away, " offering no further details about Deeley's whereabouts. Shephard began the show with, "Hello and welcome to your Tuesday's This Morning. A lovely, warm welcome to the gorgeous Angela Scanlon, who is here. Lovely to have you here, " and added that Cat and he had hosted together on Monday.

Angela Scanlon shares half-term family stories and birthday plans

Scanlon, described on air as a Strictly Come Dancing star, joked that half term at home had been "like a boxing match, " calling it "a lovely, cuddly boxing match" and explaining she has "a four-year-old and a soon-to-be eight-year-old. She turns eight tomorrow. " She said they had "birthday bangs yesterday" — a haircut she called "very grown-up" and suggested might be inspired by Hannah Montana. Shephard quipped, "She's a Scanlon, right?" and noted the children were back at school, allowing Scanlon to be in the studio.

Viewer reaction and social media questions over Deeley's absence

Viewers quickly took to social media to ask where Deeley was, with comments such as "No Cat today?" and noting a continuity announcer blooper that suggested not everyone had been briefed about her absence. Other posts welcomed Scanlon, calling her a "breath of fresh air having Angela Scanlon presenter!" and praising her as "FANTASTIC hosting This Morning" and arguing she "needs to be full-time. " Cat Deeley's representatives were contacted for comment.

Show guests and wider programme notes flagged during the broadcast

Scanlon outlined the day’s line-up, saying: "We have got a great show coming up. In just a moment, he has been released on bail after Peter Mandelson's arrest last night on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Nick Ferrari and Ashley James will be here to discuss that and more of today's headlines. " Shephard added a lighter note referencing the 1990s, naming the Spice Girls, Friends and Snake as era-defining cultural touchstones and commenting that the 90s are "iconic for many things, including fashion. "

Scanlon's previous cover roles and links to other presenters

This is not Scanlon's first time covering the programme: she previously stood in just before Christmas alongside Dermot O'Leary, and Dermot normally provides cover with Alison Hammond. Scanlon is also noted for hosting roles on The One Show and for an acclaimed stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Off-screen, she is married to Roy Horgan and has daughters Ruby and Marnie, and she co-hosts a podcast with Vicky Pattison.

Scheduling reminder and what viewers should expect

The daytime programme airs from 10am on ITV on weekdays. While Cat Deeley was absent on Tuesday and Scanlon filled the presenting role, Shephard and Scanlon proceeded with the scheduled interviews and segments announced at the top of the show.