Amanda Holden makes feelings clear on Cat Deeley replacement rumours amid mounting ITV This Morning speculation
This Morning has had a turnover of presenters this year after Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shepherd, 49, replaced Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield in March.
However, rumours have now been circling that the presenters could be replaced before making it to a year on the show.
Viewing figures have reportedly decreased since Deeley and Shepherd took the reins, with the Daily Mail claiming one September episode drew in less than 700,000 viewers.
Britain’s Got Talent star Amanda Holden has been rumoured by Women’s Own magazine to replace Deeley as the host of This Morning should bosses decide another change is in order.
However, Holden has been determined to shut down these rumours while on Heart Breakfast with Jason King, stating that she was “really glad” to be asked about the matter.
“First of all, I absolutely love Cat Deeley,” she began.
“She’s super successful, I’ve always admired her, she’s brilliant, and she’s a real laugh,” Holden insisted.
“I hate seeing headlines that say, ‘I’m taking over from Cat Deeley’, when I think she’s doing such a good job on This Morning.”
Holden reaffirmed that the conspiracies were “complete rumours”, doubling down by saying: “I’m already on the biggest morning show in the country, and that is Heart Breakfast, thanks to our lovely listeners. So, I don’t know where it’s come from it is categorically not true.”
The star criticised those suggesting the replacement, exclaiming: “It’s really annoying me.”
She made her frustration clear once more as she fumed: “Bog off, pitting two women against each other. I hate that.”
Holden has been vocal in her disappointment in the media in the past, especially as she argues the industry often pits women against each other.
Speaking to MAKERS in 2016, Britain’s Got Talent co-judge Alesha Dixon explained that the two made a pact when they first began working together.
Dixon said: “We decided in that moment that we weren’t going to allow the media to pit us against one another…
“We wanted to be responsible role models for other women out there to show that women should support one another and not be against each other.”
Holden’s fondness for Deeley may not be the only factor at play when it comes to rubbishing reports of a This Morning gig as she has plenty of other appearances scheduled.
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Holden is set to be a judge once again on the 18th season of Britain’s Got Talent.
However, the rest of the judging panel has undergone somewhat of an overhaul, with rapper and YouTuber KSI stepping in for Bruno Tonioli.
Simon Cowell has also reportedly taken the decision to step back from BGT judging duties following the death of former One Direction band member, Liam Payne.
