The exuberant presenters, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, couldn’t resist deviating from the script to share some joyous baby news after their show’s deputy editor became a mother for the second time.
The pair gleefully broke from the script to inform viewers that baby Arthur had been born as they sent heartfelt congratulations to new mum Emma Dagnell.
This Morning viewers were delighted by the adorable photographs shared on air. A visibly elated Cat, herself a mum of two, declared: “Our This Morning family has just got a little bit bigger, we are very happy to announce that our deputy editor Emma and her husband Andrew have just welcomed the beautiful Arthur Jude Dagnell.”
Ben chimed in with his approval of the name, saying: “What a gorgeous name,” and continued complimenting Emma: “Arthur was born last Monday, weighing 7lbs and 1 ounce.”
With excitement palpable in his voice, Ben relayed: “Mum and baby are already doing well and Arthur is already best friends with his little sister Mia.”, reports .
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Cat expressed her excitement over baby Arthur’s arrival (Image: ITV)
Cat couldn’t hide her affection, expressing her desire to cuddle the newborn: “I want to give him a munch and a bit of a sniff at the same time,” as audiences saw a charming photo of Arthur with his proud big sister, Mia.
As an extra treat, there was another snapshot for viewers, baby Arthur wrapped in a snug grey blanket and donning a cosy blue hat, his eyes wide open and looking curiously into the camera.
In a striking contrast, later in the programme, some fans expressed discontent on social media over Cats conduct on-air, following her flirtatious dance wrapped in a swimsuit embellished with Bens face.
Cat and Ben announce the arrival of Arthur Jude Dagnell on This Morning (Image: ITV)
The ITV presenter was caught up in a playful exchange with the Tipping Point celebrity over a quirky Christmas gift from her colleague Josie Gibson, which seemed to catch Ben’s fancy.
Cat teased the audience, vowing to model the unique swimsuit adorned with Ben’s face later in the show. True to her word, she emerged post-commercial break sporting the leotard beneath her blazer.
She twirled and shimmied, flaunting the garment, but viewers were not amused by the bold display. One viewer took to X – the new Twitter alternative – to express their dismay: “Surely, this is inappropriate and suggestive behaviour from Cat? “.
Cat left viewers annoyed with her sultry display (Image: ITV)
Another disgruntled fan complained: “#thismorning @thismorning I have just chucked my breakfast up looking at that awful bikini.”
A third chimed in with criticism of the hosts’ chemistry: “These two are just c*** at this job they have no personality and make me cringe when they try to be funny.. get rid asap! #ThisMorning.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1, from 10am.