Since Cat Deeley took over the reins as the co-anchor of This Morning alongside Ben Shephard, she’s had to cope with the inevitable backlash that comes from taking over such a high-profile show from a long-established presenter. Viewers have vented about everything and anything on social media, from her outfits to claiming she’s “too loud and theatrical”.
The veteran TV host has been taking it all in her stride – and sources have told heat she’s all too aware how hard it is to please everyone. But, if things don’t get better, the star isn’t afraid to call it a day. We’re told, “Cat didn’t think taking over This Morning would be easy and she loves a challenge, but she also knew going into it that she wouldn’t stick around if it didn’t feel right. She’s mostly enjoying her time there, but she’s aware that not all the viewers are happy with how she’s doing.”
The source continues, “Her view is that she can only do her best and hope people warm to her over time, but she’s not keeping herself up at night reading everything some stranger says about her and she meditates regularly to block out any negativity or nastiness.”
Having been on our screens since the late ’90s with Hitlist UK and then SM
Our source says, “At the end of the day, Cat doesn’t need drama in her life. She will give it a year, but if it doesn’t work out, she’ll have no shame about walking away. She’s got so many achievements under her belt already – she knows she could walk into another job quite easily.
“She always said that she would give This Morning her best shot, but if people don’t like her, she’s not going to bend over backwards trying to prove them wrong – she is who she is at the end of day and she isn’t going to pretend to be anyone else.”
Cat and Ben, 49, replaced Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as the hosts of This Morning in March after the pair stepped down separately from their roles following a series of scandals that blighted the show. Since Cat and Ben’s debut, viewing figures have reportedly dropped from a high of 806,000 to 692,500. And, while there’s a lot to be said for those stats being out of the hosts’ control, Cat appears to be taking them to heart and is keen to do something to boost the show’s popularity.
“She really does love the show and wants to make it a success,” says our insider.
“She’s confident that, over time, the audience will come around more – especially as she settles into the role, and finds her groove. She’s hoping that the producers will let her have a bit more say with certain things, especially in terms of which guests they book. Cat would love to make it a bit more Hollywood and glossy – she thinks there’s a lot of room for improvement.”
The source continues, “At the same time, she doesn’t want to start rocking the boat after all the drama the show’s had. Cat feels she has been tasked with trying to steady the ship, as well as breathe some new life into the format. She thinks she’s doing a great job, but she knows it’s going to take time and she hopes the viewers will be patient.”