Cat Deeley was overcome with emotion on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning (October 23) as she marked her 48th birthday with a series of heartfelt surprises.

Her co-host, Ben Shephard, was on hand to comfort her as she struggled to hold back tears during the special celebration.

The television presenter, known for her early career hosting SMTV Live alongside Ant and Dec in the late ’90s and early 2000s, 

was visibly touched when Ben presented her with a thoughtful gift—a caterpillar cake featuring her face. 

However, the surprises didn’t stop there, as This Morning had arranged a personal tribute from acclaimed British poet Pam Ayres, leaving Cat deeply moved.

A Birthday to Remember

During the episode, Ben, 50, playfully teased Cat about reaching another milestone birthday but made sure to emphasize how incredible she looked. 

“You don’t look a day over 47! You look amazing,” he joked, before adding, “I think any opportunity to celebrate birthdays is very important.”

Cat shared a sweet moment with viewers as she recalled the early morning birthday celebrations with her family. She revealed that her children had excitedly woken her up at 5:30 am to present her with homemade cards, which brought a mix of laughter and sentimentality.

“There was one where we were all swimming underwater, and they’d made it. It said, ‘Take a deep breath, Mum, you’re getting old.’ They thought it was the funniest thing on the planet,” she recounted with a smile.

A Special Gift from Pam Ayres

As part of the birthday festivities, This Morning had arranged a special reading from poet Pam Ayres, known for her witty and heartfelt verses. The 77-year-old poet penned a personalized poem for Cat, which she read aloud during the show.

Pam began her reading by highlighting the significance of birthdays, saying:

“We mustn’t forget people’s birthdays—the one day in all of the year for making somebody feel special, and those far away to feel dear.”

The poem continued with a warm reflection on the joy of receiving birthday cards and messages:

“To get out of bed in the morning to see all the cards on the mat, from all of the folk who remembered, well that’s nice—well, you can ask Cat!”

Pam rounded off the reading with a lighthearted reminder to always send birthday greetings:

“No, we mustn’t forget people’s birthdays, that is the wrong thing to do. So with speed uppermost, pop a card in the post, and then they might send one to you.”

An Emotional Moment for Cat

Hearing the poem read aloud by Ayres herself proved to be an emotional moment for Cat. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation, saying:

“Thank you so, so much! I’m so glad that you read it for me as well because your poems are so intrinsically part of my childhood.”

The moment was made even more special by the poet’s own admission that she rarely allows others to recite her work.

“I don’t like other people reading my poems,” Pam confessed. “I want to get them by the throat and say, ‘You’re doing it all wrong, give it back!’ Some people just don’t see how it’s supposed to bounce along. So I was glad to do it myself.”

A Birthday Celebration Filled with Laughter and Love

The morning was filled with warmth and laughter, and it was evident how much the celebration meant to Cat. Ben, ever the supportive co-host, was there to comfort and encourage her throughout, ensuring she felt truly special on her big day.

Adding to the fun, the This Morning team had arranged for a classic caterpillar cake, a staple of many childhood birthday parties, but with a humorous twist—it featured an edible image of Cat’s face.

The thoughtful surprises, combined with the warmth of her colleagues and the touching words from Pam Ayres, made it a birthday Cat Deeley won’t soon forget.

As the episode continued, the atmosphere remained light-hearted, with Ben and Cat sharing laughs over the cake and reflecting on the joy of celebrating milestones. Their chemistry and camaraderie were on full display, further solidifying their bond as ITV’s latest presenting duo.

A Memorable Day for the This Morning Host

Cat Deeley’s 48th birthday celebration on This Morning was a beautiful mix of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. From early morning wake-ups with her children to a specially crafted poem from one of Britain’s most beloved poets, it was clear that the day held great significance for her.

With Ben Shephard by her side, ensuring she felt loved and appreciated, Cat’s emotional yet joyful reaction was a touching moment for both the show’s audience and her colleagues.

As the celebrations wrapped up, viewers were left with a glimpse of the genuine warmth and friendship between the two hosts—a reminder of why This Morning remains such a beloved part of British television.

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