On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, viewers tuning in to ITV’s This Morning were greeted by a surprising change in the show’s familiar lineup. Angela Scanlon, the Irish presenter known for her dynamic presence on The One Show and her memorable stint on Strictly Come Dancing, filled in for regular co-host Cat Deeley, leaving fans both bewildered and abuzz with speculation. Ben Shephard, the show’s seasoned anchor, welcomed Scanlon with warmth but offered little explanation for Deeley’s absence, simply stating, “Cat is away.”
The chemistry between Shephard, 51, and Scanlon, 42, was immediately apparent as they opened the broadcast with playful banter. “A lovely, warm welcome to the gorgeous Angela Scanlon, who is here. Lovely to have you here,” Shephard began, to which Scanlon responded, “Lovely to be here.” Their easy rapport set the tone for the morning, with Shephard joking, “Cat's away, so like a little play date with Angela. How was half-term?”
Scanlon, ever candid about her life as a mother, described her half-term at home with her daughters Ruby and Marnie as “like a boxing match.” She elaborated, “A lovely cuddly boxing match! [I've got a] four-year-old and a soon-to-be eight-year-old. She turns eight tomorrow.” The conversation quickly turned to birthday celebrations, with Shephard asking about her plans for her daughter’s big day. Scanlon shared, “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!”
Scanlon’s outfit for the day—a River Island jacket, Zara trousers, and ASOS heels—did not go unnoticed, subtly championing the high street and adding her own flair to the show’s style. The presenters kept the energy light, with Shephard joking, “She’s a Scanlon, right?” before noting the relief of having the children back at school. “So while they're at school, we can play here in the studio,” he quipped, to which Scanlon replied with a smile, “Thank you. Goodbye. Love you.”
While the hosts moved on to preview the show’s upcoming segments—including a discussion on Peter Mandelson’s arrest and a nostalgic look at 90s fashion—viewers at home remained fixated on the day’s unexpected hosting shake-up. Social media quickly filled with comments from confused and curious fans. “No Cat today?” one user posted on X, formerly Twitter, while another observed, “The continuity announcer obvs didn’t get the memo re Cat.” Not all reactions were negative, however; some viewers embraced the change, with one writing, “Breath of fresh air having Angela Scanlon presenter!” and another adding, “I’m quite liking Angela presenting today.”
The absence of Cat Deeley, 49, was teased by Shephard the day before, when he posted a playful video on Instagram. “Deeley’s done a runner,” he joked, before revealing, “The gorgeous Angela Scanlon will be joining me as well!” Despite the lighthearted approach, no further details were offered regarding Deeley’s whereabouts, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind her sudden departure—at least for the day.
This is not Scanlon’s first time stepping in on This Morning. She previously filled in just before Christmas 2025, partnering with Dermot O’Leary, and has been a regular stand-in for main presenter Alex Jones on The One Show since 2016. Her versatility and charm have made her a go-to choice for high-profile fill-ins, and her ability to connect with both co-hosts and audiences alike is evident. Scanlon also co-hosts a podcast with Vicky Pattison and has spoken openly about the challenges and joys of balancing her career with motherhood.
Amid the lighthearted atmosphere, Scanlon’s professionalism was also highlighted in a story she recently shared about a less pleasant experience in her broadcasting career. On the Where There's A Will, There's a Wake podcast, Scanlon recounted an incident involving a well-known male celebrity guest who asked her an inappropriate question moments before a live broadcast on the BBC. “He was sat opposite me, and I'm like a busy woman, I was like learning where we were going, I was understanding when the VTs were dropping and whatever else,” she explained. Just before going live, the guest asked, “Are you wearing panties underneath those?” referring to her jeans and blazer ensemble. Scanlon described feeling “ready to burst” over the question but chose to maintain her professionalism on air. “He was such a creep. It was too much,” she recalled. “The raging internal conflict because I'm a woman who stands up for herself, but I'd have been unprofessional if I had in that situation.”
Such stories underscore the challenges faced by women in broadcasting, and Scanlon’s candidness about the experience resonated with many listeners. Her ability to handle difficult situations with grace and humor has only strengthened her reputation as a resilient and relatable figure in British television.
Back on This Morning, the show continued as usual, with Scanlon and Shephard guiding viewers through a packed lineup. The day’s topics ranged from headline news—such as the fallout from Peter Mandelson’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office—to lighter fare, including a celebration of 90s pop culture and fashion. “It’s the era that brought us the Spice Girls, Friends, and of course, Snake. The 90s are iconic for many things, including fashion,” Shephard remarked, setting the stage for a nostalgic segment that delighted viewers.
Despite the initial confusion over Deeley’s absence, the show’s format and energy remained intact, a testament to the strength of its rotating roster of presenters. This Morning continues to air weekdays at 10 am on ITV, drawing in audiences with its blend of topical discussions, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle features. The show’s enduring popularity owes much to its ability to adapt and keep things fresh—even when the unexpected happens.
As the day’s episode wrapped, fans were left with more questions than answers about Cat Deeley’s whereabouts, but many expressed appreciation for Scanlon’s engaging presence. Whether she’s sharing stories about family life, handling live television surprises, or navigating the complexities of her industry, Angela Scanlon has once again proven she’s more than capable of stepping into the spotlight—no matter how last-minute the call.