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Cat Deeley

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Cat Deeley
Deeley in 2011
Born
Catherine Elizabeth Deeley

(1976-10-23) 23 October 1976 (age 48)
West Bromwich, England
Occupations
  • Television presenter
  • actress
Years active1997–present
Spouses
Mark Whelan
​
​
(m. 2001; div. 2006)​
​
(m. 2012)​
Children2

Catherine Elizabeth Deeley (born 23 October 1976) is an English television presenter. Since 2024, she has been the main co-presenter for ITV's This Morning, alongside Ben Shephard.[1][2]

She began her career as a co-presenter of the ITV children's show SMTV Live (1998–2002), for which she won a BAFTA Children's Award, and its spin-off chart show CD:UK (1998–2005). In 2003, Deeley co-presented the talent show Fame Academy on BBC One and became the presenter of the ITV talent show Stars in Their Eyes. Following the final series of Stars in Their Eyes in 2006, Deeley began hosting the reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance in the United States, for which she has been nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy.[3]

Since 2003, Deeley has been a patron of London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children. In December 2009, she was made a UNICEF UK ambassador.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Deeley was born on 23 October 1976 at Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich, West Midlands. She grew up in Birmingham, in nearby Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr.[5][6] She attended Grove Vale Junior School and Dartmouth High School in Great Barr, where she played the clarinet in the Sandwell Youth Concert Band.[7] Deeley then attended Bishop Veseys Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield.[8]

Career

[edit]

At the age of 14, Deeley entered a regional edition of a BBC competition for The Clothes Show, in which she reached the national finals.[8] She was signed as a model under her nickname of "Cat" to make it easier for clients to re-book her.[9] She left full-time fashion modelling in 1997, following changes in her contract with Storm. Deeley moved on to co-present the MTV chart show, Hitlist UK, with close friend Edith Bowman. From 1998 until 2002, Deeley was co-host of the Saturday morning children's programme SM:TV Live, and hosted its spin-off programmes CD:UK (1998–2005) and CD:UK Hotshots. On SM:TV Live, she often acted as an apparently slightly unwilling assistant whenever the show featured a guest appearance by a magician, participating in a number of different illusions, including being sawn in half in a version of the illusion called Clearly Impossible.

In 2001, Deeley won a Children's BAFTA award and appeared in an episode of the BBC's Happiness. In 2002, she appeared in a television advert for Marks and Spencer. Other programmes she hosted include The Record of the Year, Fame Academy, The 2004 Brit Awards and Stars in Their Eyes, as well as a weekly broadcast on London's Capital FM and a BBC Choice series, Roadtripping, both with former MTV colleague Edith Bowman. In March 2003, it was announced that Deeley would take over from Matthew Kelly as host of the kids series of Stars in Their Eyes.[10] Following Kelly's departure from the main series in March 2004, Deeley became host of the main show until its demise in December 2006.

In 2003, Deeley interviewed Kylie Minogue for a television special about her one-off concert, Money Can't Buy, which was broadcast in the United Kingdom on ITV on 22 November and in Australia on Network Ten on 24 November. In 2005, Deeley played herself in an episode of Little Britain, provided the voice of Loretta Geargrinder in the UK version of the film Robots, replacing Natasha Lyonne, and presented a countdown of ITV's 50 Greatest Shows alongside Phillip Schofield as part of ITV 50.

In 2006, Deeley began hosting the second season of American reality show So You Think You Can Dance, replacing newsreader Lauren Sánchez, who was pregnant. Deeley again interviewed Kylie Minogue for another television special, which was broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sky One on 16 July, in Australia on Channel Nine on 17 July and BBC America on 9 September.[11][12][13] Deeley was a guest reporter on NBC's The Tonight Show. She presented Fox's New Year's Eve Special from Times Square in 2006 and 2007.[14]

Deeley in 2007

On 1 July 2007, Deeley was one of many presenters at the Concert for Diana, a tribute concert to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, with proceeds from the concert going to Diana's charities, as well as to charities of which her sons Princes William and Harry are patrons.[15] The event, watched by an estimated 500 million people, was held at Wembley Stadium. In September 2007, Deeley presented Soundtrack to My Life, a music series produced by Hamma & Glamma Productions for ITV London that looked at the work and influences of an eclectic band of musicians. In January 2006, a new season of So You Think You Can Dance started its auditions, with Deeley in the role of host. She has been the host of the show ever since. In 2011, Deeley was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Programme.[16]

Other projects of Deeley's include presenting the third season of Soundtrack to My Life and playing herself as host of comedian Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor. In February 2009, Deeley guest hosted the United States syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (as an alternate host for Meredith Vieira) and appeared on BBC America's broadcast of Gordon Ramsay's F Word. In the same year, Deeley hosted the television version of the electronic game 20Q for GSN. In January and February 2010, Deeley hosted So You Think You Can Dance in the UK. February 2010 also saw her filling in for a holidaying Vieira as host on the morning TV show Today. On 31 March 2010, Deeley stood in for Kelly Ripa on the morning talk show Live with Regis and Kelly.

On 9 January 2011, Deeley made a small guest appearance in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, in which she portrayed a vice principal who is, in secret, a dancer and a host.

In April 2011, Deeley presented an episode of CNN's Icon and spoke to The Simpsons voice actress Nancy Cartwright. In the same month, Deeley also contributed to the network's coverage of that year's Royal Wedding, which was hosted by tabloid journalist Piers Morgan.

In June 2011, Deeley launched her own "behind-the-scenes" web series called In the Dressing Room with Cat Deeley, produced by Deeley, Yahoo! and Collective Digital Studio.[17][18][19]

On 18 August 2011, she appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly, as a fill-in for Kelly.

On 26 January 2012, Deeley again co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly with Kelly Ripa. On 14 March 2012, Deeley appeared as a guest judge on America's Next Top Model Cycle 18.

She hosted Fox's celebrity dating game show The Choice, which premiered on 7 June 2012 and ended on 12 July 2012 in the United States.[20]

In 2011, Deeley presented the series Royally Mad for BBC America, and in 2012, she presented the launch show for ITV's Soccer Aid appeal on the Friday before the Soccer Aid match. In June 2014, she once again presented the launch show for Soccer Aid that year.[21]

From 2014 until 2016, Deeley appeared as a panelist on the syndicated game show Celebrity Name Game, hosted by Craig Ferguson.

In 2017, Deeley played Maskface in Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway miniseries The Missing Crown Jewels.

On 31 May 2017, Deeley presented the game show Big Star Little Star,[22] based on the British game show Big Star's Little Star, for the USA Network[23] in the United States.

In October 2017, Deeley began presenting the talent contest Sing: Ultimate A Cappella for Sky One in the United Kingdom.

In 2018, Deeley appeared on The Final Table Season 1 Episode 3, as a guest judge.

Deeley took part in a reunion show for SMTV Live, in which Deeley and Ant and Dec went back to where the original show was filmed, and producers rebuilt the old set. It aired on 26 December 2020 as The Story of SM:TV Live.

In January 2021, Deeley made her BBC Radio 2 debut sitting in on The Saturday Show. She has regularly provided cover, sitting in for presenters including Steve Wright and Rylan Clark.

She reunited with her Chums cast mates Ant and Dec for a television special on the fifth episode of series seventeen of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on 20 March 2021, which reenacts and picks up the cliffhanger from the wedding episode 20 years ago.

In April 2021, Deeley presented Lorraine as a guest host over the Easter holidays, joining again for the May spring bank holiday broadcast.

Deeley's first book, a picture book for children titled The Joy in You, was published by Random House on 15 September 2020. It was co-written with Laura Baker and illustrated by Rosie Butcher. A Kirkus review of the book concluded "The message is wholehearted and positive, but the cloying execution doesn't stand out."[24]

As an actress, Deeley appeared as herself in the sixth episode of Life's Too Short. She also appeared in the second episode of House of Lies as herself in January 2012. Her breakthrough as a lead actress came in the 2015 Hulu TV series Deadbeat, playing a celebrity medium named Camomile White.[25] Deeley voiced a version of herself in a 2015 episode of The Simpsons entitled "Waiting for Duffman".

In 2023, she was a guest presenter for ITV's This Morning, following Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's departures from the show.[26] Deeley was tipped to host the programme full-time, but initial reports suggested that she had declined the offer.[27] On 16 February 2024, it was announced that Deeley would present the show on a permanent basis, alongside Ben Shephard.[28]

In June 2024, Deeley came under fire from the Epilepsy Society and viewers of This Morning for making a joke about having a seizure on the show. After Shepherd asked her if she was alright while she was dancing, she stated she was "having a seizure". Deeley apologised the next day, and said "It really wasn't supposed to cause any upset to anybody".[29]

Philanthropy

[edit]

Since 2003, Deeley has been a patron of London's Great Ormond Street Hospital. She is also an active supporter of UNICEF. In 2007, she took part in a UNICEF benefit show in Los Angeles during which magician David Copperfield sawed her in half using his antique Buzz Saw illusion. In 2008, she visited a number of UNICEF projects in the Philippines, including their Soccer Aid 2 project in Manila. In December 2009, she was made a UNICEF UK ambassador.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

Deeley describes her religious affiliation as Anglican, although she was not christened.[31]

Deeley was married to businessman Mark Whelan for five years, divorcing in 2006.[32][33]

Deeley is a supporter of West Bromwich Albion FC[34]

Deeley married Northern Irish comedian and television presenter Patrick Kielty on 30 September 2012 in Rome.[35] They have two sons.[36] Having previously lived in Los Angeles, Deeley and her family now live in North London.[37]

During her first few years hosting So You Think You Can Dance, Deeley was described as "an approachable sex symbol" in a Los Angeles Times article published on 4 July 2010.[38]

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997 Hitlist UK Co-presenter With Edith Bowman
1998–2002 SMTV Live With Ant & Dec
1998–2005 CD:UK Presenter
2000 TFI Friday Guest Presenter 2 episodes
2001 Happiness Herself Cameo appearance; 1 episode
2002 Shooting Stars Guest; 1 episode
2002–2003 Fame Academy Co-presenter With Patrick Kielty
2003 Money Can't Buy Presenter TV special
2003–2006 Stars in Their Eyes
2003, 2023 This Morning Guest Presenter 4 episodes
2004 The Record of the Year Presenter
Brit Awards 2004 Presenter
2005 ITV 50 Greatest Shows TV special
Little Britain Herself Cameo appearance; Series 3 Episode 1
2006 The Tonight Show Guest Presenter 1 episode
2006–2007 New Year's Eve Special Presenter TV special
2006–present So You Think You Can Dance
2007 Soundtrack to My Life TV special
Concert for Diana
The F Word Guest Presenter 1 episode
2008 The Big Match Presenter TV special
20Q 1 series
Britain's Got the Pop Factor Herself TV special
2009 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Guest Presenter 5 episodes
2009, 2017 The One Show 2 episodes
2010–2021 Live with Kelly and Ryan 10 episodes
2011 Shake It Up Vice Principal Winslow 1 episode: "Wild It Up"
Icon Guest Presenter 1 episode
Life's Too Short Herself Cameo appearance; 1 episode
Royally Mad Presenter TV special; also executive producer
In the Dressing Room with Cat Deeley 1 series
2012 The Choice
Soccer Aid 3 episodes
Fashion Mob TV special; also executive producer
America's Next Top Model Guest Judge Season 18; 1 episode
House of Lies Herself 1 episode: "Amsterdam"
2013 The Exes Charlotte 1 episode: "Take This Job and Shove It"
Hollywood House Calls with Cat Deeley Presenter
Good Day L.A. Guest Presenter 1 episode
2013–2018 Rachael Ray 7 episodes
2014–2015 Deadbeat Camomile White 16 episodes
2014–2016 Celebrity Name Game Panellist
2015 Project Runway All Stars Guest Judge 1 episode
The View Guest Co-host
The Simpsons Cat Deeley (voice) 1 episode: "Waiting for Duffman"
2017 Sing: Ultimate A Cappella Presenter 1 series
Big Star's Little Star United States version
Love by the 10th Date Maureen TV movie
Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Maskface 1 episode: "The Missing Crown Jewels"
2018 The Final Table Guest Judge 1 episode; Season 1 Episode 3
This Time Next Year Presenter
2020 Battle Ready Herself TV movie
2020–2021 Lorraine Guest Presenter 12 episodes
2022 Great British Menu Guest Judge 1 episode
2024–present This Morning Co-presenter Monday–Thursday

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2005 Robots Loretta Geargrinder (voice) UK version
2015 Lucky Dog Amy (voice)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sigsworth, Tim (16 February 2024). "Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard named new This Morning presenters". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  2. ^ Breen, Nadia (16 February 2024). "Cat Deeley announced as one of two new This Morning presenters". Belfast Live. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Emmys: Cat Deeley is having an 'absolutely amazing' time". Los Angeles Times. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  4. ^ Wollaston, Steve (31 October 2019). "Revealed: West Bromwich Albion's famous celebrity supporters". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  5. ^ Laws, Roz (26 October 2016). "Cat Deeley on growing up in "not very pretty" Great Barr". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  6. ^ Roz Laws (7 February 2010). "7 things you never knew about Cat Deeley". Birmingham Live.
  7. ^ Jenn Selby (14 July 2011). "Glamour Inquisitor: Cat Deeley". Glamour.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  8. ^ a b Kat Keogh (21 February 2012). "Birmingham's Cat Deeley may have found her Prince Charming in Patrick Kielty". Birmingham Live. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  9. ^ "Cat Deeley". Askmen. Archived from the original on 10 July 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
  10. ^ "Deeley takes Kelly's Stars role". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 12 March 2003. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  11. ^ "Sky to show first Kylie interview". BBC News. 19 June 2006. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  12. ^ "Kylie inspired to deliver a great show". The Sydney Morning Herald. AAP. 18 July 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  13. ^ "BBC America". BBC America. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  14. ^ "Cat Deeley Does New Year's" Archived 3 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ "What is the Concert for Diana?". BBC. 13 August 2015.
  16. ^ Beard, Lanford (14 July 2011). "Emmy nominations 2011: 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Game of Thrones' score drama series nods". Entertainment Weekly. Meredith Corp. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  17. ^ "Cat Deeley to Appear in Yahoo! Reality Series (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  18. ^ "Global Fashion Icon Cat Deeley Goes Behind the Scenes With Original Web Series on Yahoo!". 29 July 2011.
  19. ^ "In The Dressing Room with Cat Deeley". Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  20. ^ Goodacre, Kate (3 May 2012). "Cat Deeley to host new Fox celebrity dating show 'The Choice'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  21. ^ 9.00pm – 10.00pm (6 June 2014). "Soccer Aid 2014: The Countdown Episode 1". ITV. Retrieved 2 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ "Big Star Little Star". USA Network. 31 May 2017.
  23. ^ "Cat Deeley to Host Celebrity Game Show for USA Network". The Hollywood Reporter. 11 April 2017.
  24. ^ "The Joy in You". Kirkus Reviews. 14 July 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  25. ^ "Cat Deeley Dishes on Starring Role in Hulu's 'Deadbeat': It's 'Very Different' From 'SYTYCD' Duties". TheWrap. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  26. ^ "Cat Deeley to host ITV's This Morning show with Rylan Clark". The Independent. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  27. ^ Woodcock, Zara (15 December 2023). "ITV bosses 'pulling their hair out' as Cat Deeley 'turns down This Morning job'". The Mirror. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  28. ^ Saunders, Emma; Youngs, Ian; Nanji, Noor (16 February 2024). "This Morning: Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield". BBC News. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  29. ^ Saunders, Emma (18 June 2024). "Cat Deeley sorry for seizure joke on This Morning". BBC News.
  30. ^ "People – National". UNICEF. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  31. ^ Deeley, Cat (10 May 2013). "An Interview with Cat Deeley". The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (Interview). Interviewed by Craig Ferguson. Los Angeles, California: CBS Television Studios/CBS.
  32. ^ "Cat Deeley splits from actor boyfriend". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  33. ^ "Cat Deeley". Us. 1 April 2012.
  34. ^ "Our baby will be a Baggies fan". Express&Star. 19 October 2015. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  35. ^ "Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley in Rome wedding". BBC. 1 October 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  36. ^ Akingbade, Tobi (22 June 2018). "Cat Deeley gives birth to second baby with husband Patrick Kielty". Metro. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  37. ^ Randell, Louise; Updated (13 September 2020). "Cat Deeley moved home after husband and son were caught up in US mall shooting". mirror. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  38. ^ Caramanica, Jon (4 July 2010). "Reality show hosts are the real survivors". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
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