⭐ Ben Shephard’s “Christmas Came Early” Quip Sparks Frenzy as Cat Deeley Suddenly Disappears From This Morning — and Alison Hammond Steps In
Tuesday’s episode of This Morning began with festive cheer — but it didn’t take long for viewers to realise that something was off script.
Cat Deeley was gone.
Alison Hammond was in her chair.
And Ben Shephard wasted no time turning the surprise into prime-time mischief.
As the cameras opened on the unexpected hosting duo, Ben grinned and declared:
“Well… looks like my Christmas wish has just come true.”
Alison burst into laughter. The studio did too. And social media? It erupted.
But behind the cheeky remark was a swirl of questions ITV didn’t answer — and a timing that could not have been more sensitive.
🎄 Ben & Alison: A First-Time Duo With Instant Spark
The moment Alison appeared beside Ben, viewers lit up.
She admitted she had zero warning.
“I was literally asleep… and suddenly I’m here. I don’t know what’s happening!”
Her spontaneity paired with Ben’s smooth humour made for an unexpectedly electric on-air dynamic. Many fans declared them “the funniest pairing in ages.”
Some even wondered aloud whether producers were testing out a new combination.
Others speculated the opposite — that Ben’s joke was a subtle dig at Cat’s absence.
But everyone agreed on one thing:
The episode felt different.
❓ So… Where Was Cat Deeley?
ITV offered no explanation — a silence that immediately triggered online theories.
Cat, 49, has been facing overwhelming pressure following her high-profile separation from husband Patrick Kielty, a split that has prompted intense public commentary and brutal online scrutiny.
She reportedly told friends she was anxious about returning to live TV amid the emotional fallout.
Her disappearance — unannounced, unexplained, and perfectly timed for viewers to notice — did nothing to calm the speculation.
Was she taking a mental break?
Avoiding further attention?
Or quietly stepping back?
For now, ITV remains tight-lipped.
💥 A Joke… or a Jab?
Ben’s line — “You never forget your first time, Alison” — left audiences divided.
Some saw harmless banter.
Others sensed a pointed undertone, especially as Cat’s personal life continues to dominate headlines.
The contrast between Alison’s playful warmth and Cat’s sudden absence only amplified the curiosity.
And the internet, of course, did what it does best: theorised wildly.
🔥 Fans React: “Is Something Going On at ITV?”
Posts flooded X within minutes:
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“Why wasn’t Cat there?? ITV better not be hiding something.”
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“Ben and Alison are GOLD — this pairing works way too well…”
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“With everything Cat is going through… this feels strange.”
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“Are they testing a replacement? 👀”
The episode created more questions than answers — especially as ITV executives declined to comment.
And with This Morning already battling ratings shifts, PR pressure, and presenter reshuffles over the past two years… every unexpected change feels heavier.
📺 A One-Day Switch… or the Start of Something Bigger?
What was meant to be a cheerful holiday-season broadcast has now become a talking point far beyond daytime TV.
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Cat’s whereabouts remain unknown.
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Ben’s joke is still being decoded.
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Alison’s effortless chemistry with Ben has sparked calls for more.
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ITV is staying suspiciously silent.
For now, Cat is expected to reappear later in the week.
But Tuesday’s episode proved one thing:
Nothing in morning television goes unnoticed — especially when a top presenter suddenly disappears.