This Morning fans complain about Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley's debut

Watch: Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard's first day on This Morning

What did you miss?

Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley's debut as the new co-hosts of This Morning has been branded an anti-climax by viewers, despite the presenters' excitement about their new roles.

Within seconds of the show opening many viewers on social media were complaining of being bored. There were also multiple complaints that ITV had not created new titles or made any major updates to the set to mark the relaunch. Deeley and Shephard confessed to being "so excited", "giddy" and "thrilled" to be presenting the show together for the first time as the new official permanent presenters of This Morning.

What, how and why?

Deeley, 47, and Shephard, 49, both confessed they were very excited to open the daytime show for the first time since they were confirmed as the new permanent hosts. They had both presented This Morning before, but not together.

Deeley told viewers: "We are so excited to be here, this show has been a huge part of our lives for so long, so to actually be standing here, with you, it's good."

Shephard added: "Giddy! It is very special, we are thrilled to be here and we've got a packed show. Everyone has been so kind. Thank you to everyone who has sent us messaged of support."

He then shared a message from Deeley's old SM:TV co-hosts Ant and Dec wishing her good luck, but also warning Shephard to watch out – because his new co-host parties hard.

Deeley then surprised Shephard with retired footballer Chris Kamara, who he worked with on Sky Sports show Goals On Sunday.

What else happened on This Morning?

Well, according to some viewers not enough. Shephard and Deeley launched straight into the "packed" daytime magazine show as usual, introducing what else was coming up on the show and then going through the newspaper headlines with Gyles Brandreth and Ashley James.

It seems some were hoping for more of a big showbiz launch celebration. Among the comments, one viewer wrote on social media platform X: "It's a bit disappointing they didn't change the titles or change the set in some way to mark a new ere for #ThisMorning."

Another commented: "I was at least expecting the #ThisMorning logo to have their names on as the new permanent Monday to Thursday presenters."

One complained: "#ThisMorning ..same old set, theme tune, graphics and segments. Even same opening titles - couldn’t even be bothered to add Ben and Cat in like the old previous hosts. This was ITV's chance to rejuvenate the program and move on from the past – and they missed it."

Another observed: "You could have started the NEW @thismorning 100 times better than this – awful and such a shame! #ThisMorning."

One shared: "It’s just started and I’m already bored. #ThisMorning."

And another questioned: "Not permanent enough to add them to the opening titles then? ITV still hesitant to commit. #ThisMorning."

But others were positive and excited about the new pairing. One tweeted: "Here’s to a new era… @benshephard @catdeele #ThisMorning."

Another posted: "Nice to see Ben Shepherd and Cat Deely presenting #ThisMorning."

And another said: "Wishing @benshephard and @catdeeley the best of luck on their presenting debut on #ThisMorning today! They'll do an amazing job!"

The pair were chosen by ITV after trialling a a roster of guest presenters since Holly Willoughby quit in October 2023 following an alleged kidnapping plot. This Morning fans have been promised some stability on the sofa after almost a year of rotating hosts, following Phillip Schofield's also departure in May last year.

As the new fulltime hosts of This Morning Shephard and Deeley will present the daytime show on Monday to Thursday from 10am to 12.30pm on ITV1. Like Schofield and Willoughby they will have Fridays off. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have been confirmed as the official Friday hosts of This Morning. They have hosted the show in Fridays since 2021.

This Morning airs on ITV from 10am to 12.30pm on weekdays.

Read more: This Morning

• This Morning's New Hosts Ben Shephard And Cat Deeley Make Show Debut (Evening Standard)

• Cat Deeley Reveals Being Caught In LA Mall Shooting Scare Inspired Return To UK (Deadline, 2 min read)

• Ben Shephard reveals why he broke his rule to join This Morning (Digital Spy, 2 min read)