If the new broom really does sweep clean then Cat Deeley has wasted no time in clearing all traces of Holly Willoughby out of This Morning’s White City studio – just two days into her tenure as the presenter’s permanent replacement.
Deeley is forty-eight short hours into what one expects to be a long-term run as the show’s new host alongside former Good Morning Britain regular Ben Shephard, having filled two sets of well-worn shoes previously owned by Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
But while the reaction she’s received across social media echoes the occasionally mixed response afforded her predecessor, the similarities appear to stop there – at least for now.
Indeed, from her wardrobe to her presenting style and her social media footprint, Deeley has subtly indicated she is keen to sweep away the past and start with a clean slate, and a brand new approach.
Read on for all the signs…
If the new broom really does sweep clean then Cat Deeley has wasted no time in clearing all traces of Holly Willoughby out of This Morning’s White City studio – starting with her wardrobe
THE WARDROBE
No pencil skirts? No problem! While former host Willoughby was famed for her eternally revolving wardrobe of thigh-skimming dresses – typically accompanied by tights and stiletto heels – Deeley has gone right back to basics.
On Tuesday the presenter turned back the dial by wearing skinny jeans on the studio floor, an almost unfathomable fashion faux pas during Willoughby’s 14-year tenure.
The stiletto heels were also ditched, with Deeley leaving them to collect dust in the dressing room while she presented the show in knee-high leather boots.
Viewers appeared to give the down-to-earth look a positive thumbs up across social media, with one commenting: ‘I’m really enjoying this new duo and love Cat’s outfit, definitely a combo we can all relate to.’
Another wrote: ‘I’m liking Ben and Cat’s more relaxed look… They seem good together. I wasn’t sure but proved wrong.’
On Tuesday Deeley turned back the dial by wearing skinny jeans on the studio floor, an almost unfathomable fashion faux pas during Willoughby’s 14-year tenure on the show
While former host Willoughby was famed for her eternally revolving wardrobe of thigh-skimming dresses, Deeley has gone right back to basics
Willoughby would typically accompany her skirts with tights and a pair of stiletto heels
GOODBYE PERSONAL STYLIST
Deeley’s relatable look might be in some way attributed to her using the This Morning resident stylist, instead of recruiting her own.
Willoughby was rarely without trusted personal stylist Dannii Whiteman while preparing for her daily appearances on the show and often favoured her guidance ahead of its backstage staff.
Whiteman, who also contributes to Willoughby’s Wylde Moon lifestyle blog, has additionally been responsible for the creating the presenter’s glamorous looks at various social engagements and red carpet events, as well as her other high-profile TV roles – including Dancing On Ice.
Discussing Willoughby’s signature style with The Sun, she said: ‘Something that is key with dressing Holly is a nipped-in waist.
‘Drawing attention to Holly’s waist is key, especially for TV as you have no control over camera angles.’
She added: ‘Anything with a nipped-in waist will be your best friend, whether it’s a tailored high-waisted trouser, classic midi dress with a nipped-in waist, a-line skirt, etc.
‘Anything that draws attention to the waist will be your best friend.’
Conversely, Deeley has become friends with This Morning’s underused styling team and her outfits to date – a demure linen dress on Monday and casual jeans on Tuesday – have been a hit, even if her presenting style has occasionally been a miss.
Deeley’s relatable look might be in some way attributed to her using the This Morning resident stylist, instead of recruiting her own
Deeley showed off her legs as she took the famous This Morning sofa with Ben Shephard for her hosting debut on Monday
A cursory glance at Willoughby’s Instagram grid will tell you all you need to know about her undeniable love of all things fashion (left), while Deeley’s focuses on her commercial interests and red carpet appearances (right)
GOING OFF-GRID
A cursory glance at Willoughby’s Instagram grid will tell you all you need to know about her undeniable love of all things fashion.
Indeed, the presenter has developed something of a reputation for sharing daily photos of her latest pre-show looks with followers on the social media platform.
From pencil skirts on This Morning to glamorous sequinned gowns on Dancing On Ice, the account is a veritable catalogue of backstage fashion photos – interspersed with shots of the presenter and her celebrity circle of friends.
It’s a different story for Deeley, whose own Instagram grid focuses less on fashion and more on her various commerical ventures.
Her last post, shared on Monday, featured a new promotional trailer for the latest series of So You Think You Can Dance – a show hosted by Deeley.
Elsewhere there are wholesome holiday snaps, obligatory red carpet photos and tributes to A-list stars – among them a nod to Rosamund Pike after the actress wore a perfume from Deeley’s e11even fragrance range at the EE BAFTA Awards.
It’s still early days but Deeley has wasted no time in getting hands on while presenting the daily show alongside co-host Shephard
On Tuesday she was on her hands and knees while fussing over resident This Morning dog Buddy on the studio floor
Deeley was also very much involved while show chef John Torode talked viewers through his ultimate Thai green curry
GETTING INVOLVED
It’s still early days but Deeley has wasted no time in getting hands-on while presenting the daily show alongside co-host Shephard.
On Tuesday she was on her hands and knees while fussing over resident This Morning dog Buddy on the studio floor.
And she admitted to being tearful after meeting the dog – an autism assistance puppy for the first time.
She said: ‘Yes I’ve already cried. He’s having to hold me back right now so I can read lines and do an interview.’
Deeley was also very much involved while show chef John Torode talked viewers through his ultimate Thai green curry – a contrast to Willoughby’s comparatively reserved approach.
Deeley’s obvious enthusiasm is a contrast to Willoughby’s comparatively reserved approach
