Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have found themselves at the center of criticism after returning to ITV’s This Morning following a brief hiatus.
The hosting duo resumed their presenting duties on Monday, February 24, after taking time off for the half-term break to spend with their families.
However, some viewers were less than impressed with their conversation upon their return, taking issue with their discussion about recent ski holidays.
As the show opened, the pair greeted audiences with enthusiasm, with Ben cheerfully welcoming everyone back and Cat expressing her delight at returning.
The conversation quickly turned to their half-term adventures, with both presenters sharing personal anecdotes about their time away.
Cat enthusiastically detailed her trip to the slopes, revealing that she had taken her children skiing for the first time.
The programme aired clips of her sons on the snow, showcasing their efforts and achievements. She shared her pride in how quickly they picked up the sport, even pointing out how they wore matching jackets so she could easily spot them on the slopes.
Ben, in turn, reflected on his own holiday, revealing that he had also gone skiing with his family. He noted that seeing Cat’s footage reminded him of when his children first learned to ski and shared video clips of his own experience. He recounted how he tried to keep up with his kids on the slopes and mentioned a well-known skiing spot in Austria. As the discussion continued, Cat lightheartedly teased Ben about his eagerness to make his way down the mountain, joking that he seemed desperate to get to some chocolate.
While the conversation was meant to be a lighthearted recap of their time off, some viewers did not appreciate it. Critics took to social media to express their frustration, arguing that the presenters appeared ‘out of touch’ with the struggles of the average viewer. Some accused them of flaunting their luxury holidays while many people are facing financial difficulties.
One disgruntled viewer vented online, stating that the duo was “rubbing their luxurious holidays in the faces of the viewership who are generally overworked, underpaid, and over-taxed.” Another critic commented that it was frustrating to hear presenters talk about extravagant trips while many people are struggling to afford basic necessities.
Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the hosts should keep their discussions more professional and avoid boasting about their vacations. One social media user remarked, “Do we really care what you presenters did last week? Just boastful.”
However, not everyone was critical of the pair. Some viewers welcomed Ben and Cat back to This Morning, with fans expressing their happiness at seeing them on screen again. One supporter shared their enthusiasm online, writing, “Great to see Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley back from their holiday.”
The reaction to their return highlights the delicate balance television presenters must strike when sharing personal anecdotes with audiences. While some enjoy the casual and relatable conversations, others feel that discussing lavish holidays can be alienating, particularly during times of economic hardship.
As This Morning continues its run with Ben and Cat at the helm, the pair may need to navigate such discussions carefully to ensure they resonate positively with their audience. Whether this backlash will impact their approach in the future remains to be seen, but it is clear that opinions on their return are divided.
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