Angela Scanlon replaces Cat Deeley on This Morning as fans give verdict — angela scanlon fills in amid confusion

angela scanlon filled in for Cat Deeley on This Morning on Tuesday, joining Ben Shephard as viewers were left bewildered over Deeley’s whereabouts. The surprise switch drew immediate reaction from viewers and prompted calls for Scanlon to appear more often on the ITV morning show.

Scanlon joins Ben Shephard on Tuesday as Cat Deeley is said to be “away”

On Tuesday morning (February 24) Ben Shephard, 51, opened the programme by welcoming Angela Scanlon to the studio and offering little explanation for Cat Deeley’s absence, saying his co‑host was "away. " Shephard’s on‑air lines included: "A lovely, warm welcome to the gorgeous Angela Scanlon, who is here. Lovely to have you here, " and later, "Cat's away, so like a little play date with Angela. How was half‑term?" Fans were left bewildered about Deeley, 49, with some viewers asking "No Cat today?" and another noting, "The continuity announcer obvs didn't get the memo re Cat. "

Angela Scanlon’s recent TV roles and new Apprentice spin‑off duties

Angela Scanlon, 42, is an Irish presenter best known for hosting The One Show and for her 2023 stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Last month she became the face of a brand‑new Apprentice spin‑off series titled The Apprentice: You’re Fired, a move that coincided with comedian Tom Allen’s exit from that spin‑off. The format of The Apprentice: You’re Fired sees Scanlon speaking about the series with industry experts and celebrity fans and joining the fired candidate to dissect drama from inside Lord Alan Sugar’s boardroom.

On‑air rapport and family anecdotes in the studio

Scanlon, who joined Shephard on the ITV morning show, greeted the audience with "Lovely to be here. " Shephard asked about her half‑term and Scanlon — who shares daughters Ruby and Marnie with Roy Horgan — joked that half‑term at home was like a "boxing match. " She described it as "A lovely cuddly boxing match! [I've got a] four‑year‑old and a soon‑to‑be eight‑year‑old. She turns eight tomorrow. " When Shephard asked about birthday plans, Scanlon said: "Well, we got birthday bangs yesterday. A birthday haircut. Very grown‑up... I don't know where... I think Hannah Montana may be inspired, but she wanted bangs, and you know she's eight, so you get what you want when you're eight!" The programme also noted that Scanlon hosts a podcast with Vicky Pattison.

Studio line‑up, headlines and an unclear bail reference

Ben Shephard told viewers "So whilst they're at school, we can play here in the studio. We've got a good show playing, don't we?" The morning's studio guests included Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, interior designer Kelly Hoppen and money‑saving expert Martin Lewis, and the show previewed segments with Nick Ferrari and Ashley James to discuss "that and more of today's headlines. " The programme also referenced the 1990s era that brought the Spice Girls, Friends and the game Snake, calling the 90s iconic for fashion. A line in the coverage stated, "In just a moment, he has been released on bail after Peter Mandelson's arrest last night on suspicion of misconduct in public office, " but it is unclear in the provided context who "he" refers to.

Viewer reaction: praise, demands and social posts by name

Viewers rushed to X to give their verdict, with some calling for Scanlon to become a more regular fixture and describing her as a "breath of fresh air. " Social posts included: @clarkson83465 — "Breath of fresh air having Angela Scanlon presenter. " @Soodamoo — "#ThisMorning lovely to see Angela on the show, I would like to see Josie sometimes too. " @Jimmyboy35 — "Angela is far more natural and herself than Cat. " @LeeRennoldson — "Can we please replace Cat Deeley with Angela Scanlon?" @AthleticsDad — "Angela Scanlon Doing a great job today on This Morning. Well done kid. " @JimmyCaramac — "Angela Scanlon different level as a presenter. Take note TM. " The volume of comments captured both surprise at Cat Deeley’s absence and enthusiasm for Scanlon’s on‑air performance.