Ben Shephard forced to present This Morning solo as 'not happy' Cat abandons set

This Morning viewers were surprised when they saw Ben Shephard on set by himself as Cat Deeley had vanished.

Ben told viewers: "Welcome back, she's nipped to the loo and she's not back yet," as Cat then walked back onto the set.

She declared: "That's because I'm not entirely happy about this phone-in, guys, you have let me down."

Ben burst into laughter as Cat revealed she had changed her top in a white t-shirt with Ben's face emblazoned on the front.

He said: "I'm emblazoned across your chest," as Cat said: "More tummy region, but yes apparently should Ben keep the beard? 54% of people say no."

Ben groaned: "We've lost! The beard is going to go. My mum is going to be thrilled, Gyles Brandreth, Andi Peters," as he asked if they were going to shave it off tomorrow.

Cat then joked they would have to do something special to get rid of it, joking they should do a barber experience, adding she would even wax his ears for him.

Meanwhile, Ben shared an update about his summer with his family after he and Cat took a lengthy break from the show for the summer holidays.

He said: "Sam came home from travelling, which was very, very emotional."

With a family photo displayed, he added: "Yeah that was the first day he was back, and we went for a walk through the park, and then we went to the pub."

"I bet she hasn't let them go," Cat said, referring to Ben's wife Annie, as he agreed: "And every now and again I walk past and she's just gazing at him.

"He's been away for seven and a half months, off to university next week, back to school for lots of people today as well."

This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.