Cat Deeley: when did the presenter return to the UK and when is she replacing Lorraine Kelly on her morning show?

SMTV star Cat Deeley will make her return to UK television on Lorraine’s Good Morning Britain talk show, from 5 April.

The presenter moved stateside over 14 years ago and has since set up home with husband Patrick Kielty, but the couple have returned to the UK with their two young sons.

Deeley formerly presented Stars In Their Eyes in the early noughties, but moved to the US where she presented shows such as So You Think You Can Dance.

So, why is she replacing Lorraine, will she be returning to British television permanently and why has she moved back to the UK from the States? This is what we know.

Who is Cat Deeley?

Catherine Elizabeth Deeley - better known as Cat - is a 44-year-old television presenter, actress, singer and model.

Deeley first appeared on screen in 1998 as a children’s television presenter, alongside double act Ant and Dec, on SMTV Live.

After four years on the show, she left to present shows such as BBC’s Fame Academy and Stars In Their Eyes, until 2006.

In 2006, she moved to the US where she began hosting the second season of American reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.

She also became a guest reporter on NBC's The Tonight Show and presented Fox's New Year's Eve Special from Times Square in 2006 and 2007.

She is expected to have a net worth of around £13 million.

She has continued to host So You Think You Can Dance, while living in the US with her husband, Northern Irish comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty, who she married in Rome in 2012.

The pair welcomed two sons in the States - Milo in 2016 and James Patrick in 2018.

She has now returned to the UK with plans to relaunch her career, and will make an appearance alongside Ant and Dec for the 30-year anniversary of SMTV, later this year.

Deeley has also been confirmed as the replacement for Lorraine on ITV from 5 April.

Why is Cat Deeley replacing Lorraine?

Deeley is to replace Lorraine for one week, over the Easter break.

The Lorraine show has welcomed its highest viewing ratings in a decade, raking in 1.8million on average in March.

Lorraine is to take a break from the show, with Deeley stepping in to help out.

Following the announcement of her stint on the show, Deeley said: “Lorraine has kindly entrusted me with her show while she has a break over Easter.

“I’m so happy to be back at ITV for the coming week and looking forward to meeting some people I’ve wanted to ­interview for sometime and also welcoming some old friends on air.”

The presenter is expected to interview guests including Loose Women’s Stacey Solomon, who recently moved to her new ‘Pickle Cottage’ in Essex, as well as singer Tom Odell.

Deeley will be reunited with her friend and fellow model Louise Redknapp – who appeared alongside her on the SMTV Cat The Dog sketch.

Lorraine editor Victoria Kennedy said: “Next week the lovely Cat Deeley will take to the helm of Lorraine, providing viewers at home with much-needed Easter enjoyment.

Ranvir Singh will host the show the following week from 12 April.

Kennedy added: “As a huge fan of SMTV, I’m more than just a bit delighted. And of course we look forward to welcoming Ranvir back too. We’ve got a great lineup of Easter guests joining us.”

Why has Deeley left the US?

In September 2020, Deeley spoke out about her fear when Kielty and their oldest son, Milo, had to escape a shopping centre in Los Angeles where a gunman was on the loose.

Speaking to You magazine, Deeley said: "I got a call from Paddy, saying, 'They're taking us out through the fire exits but nobody can get to their car. If we walk to a junction, can you come and get us.

"He wanted to keep Milo calm, so I didn't understand the enormity of what was happening. As I was driving I began to see helicopters, news vans, firemen and Swat squads."

The mother-of-two described the incident as "terrifying" and told how Patrick was left visibly “shaken” as a result.

Deeley said this incident led to her constantly worrying about her son’s safety, while looking at potential schools for him to attend.

She said: "There was a moment when I was with a friend looking at potential schools for Milo and we had to ask the question nobody wants to: 'What do you do if there is a live shooter on the premises?' The danger suddenly becomes a reality."

It was shortly after this that the couple returned to the UKand they now reside in London.

When is Lorraine on TV?

Lorraine is on ITV on weekdays from 9am to 10am and viewers can also catch up on the ITV Hub.

Deeley will be on the show from 5 APril to 9 April, she will then be replaced by Ranvir the following week and Lorrain is expected to return from 19 April.