This Morning's Cat Deeley sparks concern as she's forced to leave studio

This Morning viewers voiced their concern for Cat Deeley during Tuesday's episode after she made a sudden exit from the screen owing to a severe coughing spell.

The 47 year old had earlier admitted to the audience that she was fighting off a bad cold and it became painfully obvious when she couldn't control her coughs while in conversation with medical experts.

In the middle of a discussion about antidepressants alongside her co-host Ben Shephard and two doctors, Cat struggled to maintain composure. With professionalism, she chose to swiftly leave the set so as not to interrupt the segment.

Ben took the reins effortlessly, carrying on the discussion seamlessly as Cat stepped away to gather herself off-camera.

Upon Cat's hasty departure, Ben quipped, "You're in safe hands Cat we have two doctors here," before refocusing on the interview at hand, reports the Mirror.

Concluding his talk with Dr. Zoe, Ben light-heartedly addressed the scenario of presenting solo, jesting, "You've seen off Cat Deeley, that's the power that you hold."

Returning to the studio after taking time out for some water and a throat lozenge, Ben asked Cat, "Are you ok now?" Cat, still sounding a bit raspy, responded, "I think so, I've got a bit of a runny eye and I'm sucking on a Strepsil."

Even though Cat reassured the audience of her well-being, fans didn't hesitate to express their worries on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

A concerned viewer posted: "Hope Cat's ok. I've had coughing fits like that and they're not fun #ThisMorning."

Viewers expressed their mixed reactions to Cat Deeley hosting This Morning while under the weather. One person commented on social media: "Why did Cat go in with a cold spreading it around #ThisMorning."

Another posted concerns, tweeting: "Surely Cat should of called in sick...? #thismorning," while a different viewer humorously suggested: "Someone get Cat some buttercup syrup #ThisMorning."

One fan showed empathy, noting: "Cat's doing everything she can, not to cough #thismorning,".

On Monday's edition of the show, it was disclosed that the ex-SMTV Live star had been suffering from a pesky cold. During a cosy segment with a hugging therapist, who typically charges £70 for a hug, Ben indicated Cat's absence from the cuddle due to her cold.

The cuddle professional offered to showcase her services live, leading Ben to quickly volunteer. He alerted the audience: "Cat has a bit of a cold so won't be able to take part," before he took part in a hug with the therapist.