Ben Shephard, one of ITV’s leading faces on This Morning, has announced he will be taking a short break from the show during the upcoming half-term. 

The revelation comes as part of a broader presenter shake-up at ITV, marking a temporary shift in the program’s hosting duties.

On Instagram, the 49-year-old co-host, who has been working alongside Cat Deeley since February 2024, 

shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos from Thursday’s episode. 

In his post, Ben expressed gratitude to his fans for their support and excitement for the future.

“Ahhh lovely end of the week for me and @catdeeley. Thanks for all your messages.

I hope everyone is ready for some hardcore valentines/palentines/galentines (delete where appropriate) action!!” he captioned his snapshots, adding that he and Cat would be back in the studio after the half-term break.

Fans quickly reacted to the news in the comments, flooding the post with messages of encouragement and well wishes. One fan commented, “You and Cat are doing a great job. Enjoy your break!” while another wrote, “Loving you two together! Hope you both have a great half term.” The heartfelt messages underscore the strong connection viewers feel with the duo and their on-screen chemistry.

The announcement of the break coincides with a major change in This Morning’s presenting team. ITV has yet to officially confirm who will replace Ben and Cat during their absence, but speculation is rife among industry insiders and fans alike. Given past cover arrangements, many predict that familiar faces like Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary could step in to anchor the show during this period.

Alison Hammond, a veteran of the program since 2002, began her career on This Morning as a showbiz reporter before rising to prominence as a regular presenter. Dermot O’Leary, on the other hand, has been a reliable presence on ITV for years, having previously filled in for prominent figures like Phillip Schofield in 2014. The two already present the show every Friday, following the departure of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford in 2020, making them natural candidates to take over the Monday-to-Thursday slot temporarily.

The hosting change comes on the heels of significant transitions on This Morning. Ben and Cat were announced as the new hosts back in February 2024, stepping in to fill the gap left by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield—two long-time hosts whose departures marked the end of an era for the program. Schofield left in May 2023 after more than two decades at the helm, while Holly stepped down in October 2023 after 14 years on the show. Their exit paved the way for a fresh, new dynamic, and Ben and Cat’s arrival was met with enthusiasm by viewers, who quickly embraced the new presenting duo.

During their inaugural episode, Ben and Cat acknowledged the magnitude of the change and expressed heartfelt thanks to their audience for the overwhelming support. “We are thrilled to be here. We know how much this show means to so many of you at home,” Ben remarked, while Cat added, “This show has been such a huge part of our lives for so long, so to be actually standing here now is very surreal.” Their sincerity resonated with viewers, who have continued to praise the pair for their professionalism and warmth.

While no exact return date has been confirmed, Ben assured his followers that they would be back in the studio after the half-term break, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the duo’s return. In the meantime, the temporary change in presenters offers ITV an opportunity to experiment with new talent and ensure that the show continues to deliver engaging content, even in the absence of its primary hosts.

As This Morning adapts to these changes, one thing remains clear: the strong connection between the hosts and the loyal viewership will ensure that the program continues to be a staple of morning television in the UK. Fans can only hope that the break will allow Ben and Cat to return with even more energy and fresh ideas to keep the show as dynamic and beloved as ever.

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