This Morning: Cat Deeley on bumping into Holly backstage at the NTAs
Presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard shared a touching moment with Holly Willoughby backstage at the recent National Television Awards.
The duo, who succeeded Holly and Phillip Schofield as This Morning's new permanent hosts, chatted on today's programme about their encounter with the previous host at the glitzy NTAs event in London.
Ben recalled: "How lovely to see Holly there as well!" while Cat chimed in with the details: "It was lovely, we saw each other backstage. She was running one way, I was running the other. We gave each other a big kiss, trying not to trip on our gowns."
Last year, Holly confirmed her departure from This Morning, reports the Mirror.
In an emotional farewell, she expressed gratitude to her ITV colleagues, writing: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive."
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The star said: "To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers.
"You've been so loyal, so supportive, and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'. It's been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much."
Ben moved over to This Morning from Good Morning Britain. He said at the time: "This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It's an honour to be trusted with the reins, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job."
The presenter added: "For the last 10 years, I've been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat. Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved."
