In a surprising twist on April 7, 2025, ITV's popular morning show "This Morning" saw regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard absent, leaving Dermot O’Leary and Sian Welby to take the reins for the week. This change comes as many families in the UK enjoy the Easter holidays, and while the reasons for Cat and Ben's absence remain unconfirmed, it's widely speculated they are spending time with their families.
Dermot and Sian, both familiar faces on the show, confirmed their temporary hosting arrangement via Instagram but offered no details about their co-hosts. Fans quickly took to social media to share their mixed reactions. Some viewers were excited about the change, enjoying the fresh dynamic between the two presenters, while others expressed their longing for the familiar chemistry of Cat and Ben.
Meanwhile, Sian Welby made headlines for more than just her hosting duties. During a cooking segment on the show, she was caught sipping melted chocolate directly from a ladle and returning it to the bowl, which sparked a wave of criticism from viewers. "Sian, that’s filthy," one viewer remarked on social media, while another lamented, "As if she just put that ladle in her mouth and now all that chocolate is wasted!" Despite the backlash, some fans defended Sian, calling her a delightful presence on the show.
Earlier in the same episode, Sian showcased a stunning belted hot-pink corduroy jumpsuit from & Other Stories, priced at £125. This eye-catching outfit quickly drew attention and led to a surge in interest among viewers eager to replicate her look. For those looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, several similar jumpsuits were highlighted, including the Joanie "Robin Short Sleeve Corduroy Boilersuit" priced at £79 and a Topshop pink cord boilersuit available on ASOS for £40, though it is currently out of stock.
Despite the fashion frenzy surrounding Sian's jumpsuit, her antics during the cooking segment overshadowed her style. The segment featured chocolatier Oliver Dunn, known as Oli the Choc, who was demonstrating how to make a viral Dubai chocolate Easter egg. As he worked, Sian playfully asked if she could take the chocolate bowl, leading to her cheeky sip that drew ire from viewers. Dermot jokingly scolded her, saying, "You know no one can touch that, don’t you?"
In addition to Sian's on-screen mischief, fans have noted her previous gaffe when discussing the TV show "Friends." During a segment, she mistakenly stated that the show, which premiered in 1994, was over 40 years old. This prompted viewers to point out her error, with one tweeting, "The 1990s is over 40 years ago? Basic arithmetic is clearly not @Sianwelby’s strong suit!"
As for the absent hosts, Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, are both known for their dedication to family. Cat has two young boys, Milo and James, with her husband Patrick Kielty, while Ben shares two sons, Sam and Jack, with his wife Annie. Cat recently shared a sunny clip from a beach outing on Instagram, hinting at her holiday plans. Fans have speculated that the duo's absence is simply a break to enjoy family time during the school holidays.
This shake-up on "This Morning" comes amid other changes within the show's lineup. In March 2025, Vanessa Feltz announced her departure from the program after an impressive 33-year tenure. Vanessa, who first appeared on "This Morning" in 1992, stated, "I’m now doing my own show, and I can’t do both," indicating her new project on Channel 5. Her upcoming show, simply titled "Vanessa," promises to be a heartfelt exploration of various topics, from relationships to lifestyle, all while maintaining a politics-free zone.
As "This Morning" navigates these changes, the audience is left with a mix of nostalgia for the familiar faces and curiosity about the new dynamics. While some may miss the regular hosts, others are embracing the excitement of seeing Dermot and Sian at the helm. With the Easter holidays in full swing and changes afoot, viewers are eagerly tuning in to see what the next episode will bring.
As the show continues to evolve, it remains a staple of British morning television, capturing the hearts and minds of its audience with a blend of lighthearted segments, fashion insights, and engaging discussions. Whether it's Sian's fashion choices or her playful antics in the kitchen, "This Morning" keeps viewers entertained and coming back for more.
