Cat Deeley left viewers baffled on Monday's episode of This Morning as she sidestepped questions about her summer, failing to mention her recent divorce from comedian Patrick Kielty. The 48-year-old presenter returned to screens for the first time since announcing the end of her 12-year marriage, prompting awkwardness when co-host Ben Shephard asked about her time off.
Deeley responded vaguely, saying: 'We had a lovely summer. Lots of beach action, family, friends, kids, bags of groceries as big as my head... but I was really looking forward to coming back to work, it's a bit weird!' Her avoidance of the obvious topic led to a flurry of social media comments, with one viewer writing: 'When will Cat mention her divorce?' and another sarcastically adding: 'Don't forget "got divorced" Cat!'
The television host, who shares sons Milo, nine, and James, seven, with Kielty, has reportedly been anxious about her return amid fears of being painted as the villain in the split. A source told The Sun that Deeley was hurt by criticism over her absence from her mother-in-law's funeral in March, with some family members blaming her for the marriage breakdown. Her spokesperson previously stated she stayed home to care for her children.
Patrick's relatives remain upset over the funeral snub, with one telling the Daily Mail: 'Whatever rockiness was going on in the marriage, something as momentous as his mother's funeral, you would make up even temporarily... The fact that she stayed in London and presented This Morning on the day, it's not been forgotten.' Deeley and Kielty stressed that no third party was involved in their split.
