Cat Deeley to go head-to-head with Holly Willoughby at NTAs

The nominations for this year’s National Television Awards (NTAs) have been released – and two This Morning presenters are going head-to-head for the coveted Best Presenter gong. The full shortlist was unveiled on Tuesday, May 21.

The shortlist comes eight months after Holly announced her exit from This Morning back in October 2023, when she decided to step away from the popular ITV morning show after 14 years at the helm alongside Phillip Schofield. In a statement shared on Instagram at the time Holly wrote: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.

“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.”

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Holly continued in her statement: "Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said, 'We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.' It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly.”

Cat Deeley stepped into the main This Morning presenter role alongside Ben Shephard in February 2024. She has so far been a hit with viewers.

Viewers will have to wait until August to find out if Cat or Holly makes it to the final shortlist. The winner of the category will be announced at London’s O2 arena on September 11, 2024. Holly has previously won five NTA awards, while rival nominee Cat has yet to win a single award, but been nominated five times in total for a similar US award at the Primetime Emmys. For the latest TV and showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.