This Morning's Ben Shephard takes over hosting as Cat Deeley breaks down in tears

This Morning's Cat Deeley broke down in tears during Thursday's show after watching a segment about a life-saving dog, forcing co-host Ben Shephard to take over presenting duties.

The TV host, 47, was left struggling to speak whilst introducing a guest, whose dog had saved his life, after becoming emotional at the extraordinary story.

Kerry Irving joined Cat and Ben in the This Morning studio on Thursday 25th April to chat about his late dog Max, who was his therapy dog before dying aged 14 in 2022. Kerry adopted Max in 2008 after becoming injured in a traffic collision and suffering with severe depression - and he quickly became an internet sensation after sharing his walks with Max on social media.

Max went onto receive the animal equivalent of an OBE, while his hometown of Keswick in Cumbria has honoured the pooch with a statue. Joined by three other dogs on the This Morning sofa, Kerry spoke about how Max saved his life.

However, Cat struggled to introduce the guest after tearing up at a video featuring Max which played beforehand. "In 2022, Max sadly passed away at the age of 14 but his legacy lives on, Kerry's fundraising continues," she said as her voice broke.

"We were talking about dogs in the break. Er, he's got the spaniels, carry on, you read..."

Ben then took over, adding: "The reason Cat is getting upset is because the idea of losing a dog, you lost a dog you still think about all the time."

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard began hosting This Morning back in March, having officially taken over from former presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. The latter left ITV last year after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" relationship with a younger showrunner at This Morning.

A source close to the former ITV presenter revealed earlier this year that Phillip Schofield is 'plotting his TV comeback' with the support of his daughter Molly.

Earlier this month, Josie Gibson addressed missing out on the chance to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning, revealing that she thinks she has "the best gig".

"The thing is, I actually feel like I am because I’m on This Morning, I’ve got my dream gig and I do a bit of everything," she told OK! in an exclusive interview. "I do a bit in the studio, I can go on the road, do a competition. I’m an all-rounder I think. I love being able to do everything so, between us, I think I’ve got the best gig."

This Morning airs daily at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.