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Edinburgh Live
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing legend's heartbreaking admission after being dropped from show
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Strictly Come Dancing icon Dame Arlene Phillips made a heartbreaking admission after being dropped from the hit BBC show. Arlene, 82, was cut from the show ahead of the 2009 series. Her departure ignited a debate on ageism as she was replaced by the much younger Alesha Dixon, who was 30 at the time. Despite her extensive experience in dance and choreography, Arlene learned of her axing via the radio, reports The Mirror. She recounted the moment as her "biggest disappointment". In an interview with The Sunday Times, she explained: "I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life." Arlene also disclosed that she "kicked, screamed and sobbed" upon learning she would no longer be part of the show she had served since 2004. At the time, it was rumoured that Arlene had been dropped from the show for being "too old". Particularly as her replacement, Alesha, had no experience judging a dancing show, but had previously lifted the Glitterball Trophy. (Image: BBC) And Arlene says she wishes she had "asked the right questions" after BBC bosses made the decisions. She said: "I was very fragile because I had a bereavement the day before [her manager died]. She lamented not getting clear answers and being strung along with the prospect of an expanded judging panel: "I wanted to know in detail and I wanted to know the real reason at the point when they decided for me to go, yet they kept me hanging on for so long with the possibility that there would be five judges." At the time, BBC One boss Jay Hunt refuted claims that Arlene's age played a part in her departure from the show. He remarked: "We wanted to refresh the format, it's about ensuring the show remains as compelling for viewers as it always has been. It was not an easy decision. "We looked at the panel - Bruno is the joker, Craig is the Simon Cowell, Len is the head judge. It was obvious she was the one to change." (Image: Ian West/PA Photos) He further commented: "Strictly is an entertainment show. As a former champion, Alesha knows exactly what it takes to win. Her eye for great performance and her charisma and charm make Alesha a great addition to the panel." Alesha Dixon stayed with the show for three series before she announced she would be leaving. She then became a judge on Britain's Got Talent. In a poignant revelation to The Guardian's Cutting magazine, Arlene disclosed the most important lesson life has taught her: "Life is never fair." Post-Strictly, Arlene led the BBC's So You Think You Can Dance?, a Pop Idol-style contest, and appeared on I'm a Me Out of Here!. In 2022, she served as a guest judge on Dancing on Ice and last October, she took on the role of executive producer for Toys the Musical.
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Cat Deeley shares real name on This Morning as she reunites with school teacher
This Morning host Cat Deeley was left stunned when her former primary school teacher appeared via video link and referred to her by her real name Cat Deeley left her fans utterly astonished after revealing her actual name live on air. The 48-year-old This Morning presenter shed light on her unexpected alias during an endearing segment with her former teacher as part of Thank a Teacher Day celebrations. Amid interviews with children discussing their school in Surrey, Cat was caught off guard by a surprise video call from Mrs Cotterill, her primary school mentor, who addressed the television personality by her birth name, stating: "Her name is Katie." Ben Shepherd clarified to viewers: "Because you, of course, know her as Katie." Taking the opportunity to elaborate on her name history, Cat, who received high praise from Mrs Cotterill, disclosed that while her official name is Catherine, she was affectionately referred to as Katie in her youth, reports the Mirror. Explaining the personal significance, she mentioned: "Well my real name is Catherine, but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," and humorously noted, "Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!" Mrs Cotterill offered kind words about Cat, expressing delight at seeing her past pupil: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Raised in Birmingham, Cat attended Grove Vale Junior School and moved on to Dartmouth High School. At the age of 14, her flair for fashion propelled her to the national finals of a modelling competition hosted by BBC's The Clothes Show. She was later scouted by a modelling agency, and it was at this juncture that her name was changed to Cat. Last year, Cat and Ben were unveiled as the fresh faces of the renowned ITV morning programme, stepping into the shoes of long-standing presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. At the time, an insider lavished compliments on Cat while speaking to the Mirror, remarking on her "very recognisable face, thanks to her long stint of working on kids' TV". Further commendations came in from them: "Back in the 90s and early 2000s, when she worked with Ant and Dec on SMTV Live, she was very warm and funny so it's hoped they can recreate some of that magic together." Following her tenure presenting a myriad of shows, including So You Think You Can Dance? across the pond, Cat became settled in family life, marrying Irish comedian Patrick Kielty and having two sons, James and Milo. Initially basing their family life in Los Angeles, they were driven to reconsider their location following a harrowing incident at a mall shooting which involved Patrick and Milo. Prompted by this distressing event, during which Patrick received an active shooter alert from the FBI while shopping, in 2020, Cat and Patrick relocated back to England, opting for North London as their new abode.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cat Deeley leaves This Morning fans gobsmacked as they find out her real name
Cat Deeley reunites with teacher live on air Cat Deeley's fans were left gobsmacked today when they found out her real name live on air. The This Morning host, 48, lifted the lid on her surprising alias when she reunited with her teacher on the show in celebration of Thank a Teacher Day. After the mum-of-two and co-host Ben Shepherd interviewed children, who were talking about their school in Surrey, Cat's former teacher popped up via video link much to Cat's surprise. Mrs Cotterill, the presenter's primary school teacher, referred to the kids TV star by her real name as she said: "Her name is Katie." Explaining the moniker for viewers at home, Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: "Because you, of course, know her as Katie." READ MORE: This Morning viewers hit back at claim surprising thing is psychologically damaging kids Cat Deeley's fans were left gobsmacked today when they found out her real name (Image: ITV) Cat, who was given a glowing report by Mrs Cotterill, revealed that her real name is Catherine, but that she was called Katie when she was growing up. "Well my real name is Catherine, but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," she said, adding: "Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!" Giving her feedback on Cat, who was delighted to see the familiar face, Mrs Cotterill said: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Cat grew up in Birmingham and attended Grove Vale Junior School, followed by Dartmouth High School. When she was 14, she reached the national finals of a modelling competition with BBC programme The Clothes Show. She was later signed by a model agency and it was then that her name was changed to Cat. Cat and Ben were announced as the new faces of the popular ITV show last year to replace long-term hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. A source at the time heaped praise on Cat and told the Mirror she is a "very recognisable face, thanks to her long stint of working on kids' TV". They added: "Back in the 90s and early 2000s, when she worked with Ant and Dec on SMTV Live, she was very warm and funny so it's hoped they can recreate some of that magic together." After hosting a whole host of shows, including So You Think You Can Dance? in the states, Cat settled down with Irish comedian Patrick Kielty, with whom she shares sons, James and Milo. The family used to live in Los Angeles, but have now decided to make the UK their home after Patrick and Milo were caught up in a terrifying mall shooting a few years ago. In 2020, Cat and Patrick decided to move back to England after the traumatic experience - in which her husband was told by the FBI that there was an active shooter in the shopping mall - and now live in North London. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . READ MORE: 'Brilliant' air cooling fan that keeps homes cool during the heatwave slashed from £150 to £40
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
This Morning's Cat Deeley reveals her REAL name as she's reunited with her old teacher live on air
THIS Morning's Cat Deeley has stunned fans by revealing her real name live on air. Cat, 48, made the confession as she was reunited with her old teacher in celebration of Thank A Teacher Day. Advertisement 6 Cat Deeley's real name has been revealed Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 It came as she reunited with her former teacher Credit: ITV 6 Cat was delighted to see Mrs Cotterill Credit: ITV Cat and her co-star Ben Shephard had been hearing children talk about their teachers at a primary school in Surrey when she was given the surprise. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own primary school teacher, suddenly appeared via video link - and she referred to Cat by her real name. Addressing the star, she said: "Her name is Katie." Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: "Because you of course know her as Katie." Advertisement Cat went on to explain that her real name is Catherine, but that she was called Katie when she was growing up. "Well my real name is Catherine but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," she said. "Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!" Cat was delighted to see her former teacher and she was given a glowing report by Mrs Cotterill. Advertisement The teacher, who is from Birmingham, said of Cat at school: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Cat grew up in Birmingham and attended Grove Vale Junior School, followed by Dartmouth High School. Watch the moment Cat Deeley leaves Hollywood superstar Ben Stiller stunned live on This Morning When she was 14, she reached the national finals of a modelling competition with BBC programme The Clothes Show. She was signed by a model agency and it was then that her name was changed to 'Cat'. Advertisement Bosses at the model agency decided it would be easier to give her a nickname when it came to clients rebooking her. Cat later moved into television, landing a spot on popular kids' show SMTV: Live alongside Ant and Dec. She went on to become one of a few UK stars to crack America after bagging the job of host on So You Think You Can Dance?. In 2023, Cat was brought in as a guest presenter on This Morning following the departure of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Advertisement Cat - who has two children with her Irish TV star husband Patrick Kielty - was later made the ITV show's permanent host alongside Ben. 6 Cat's first major TV role came alongside Ant and Dec on SM:TV Credit: PA:Press Association 6 Cat met King Charles in 2002 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 6 Cat later hosted So You Think You Can Dance? in the US Credit: TOM GRISCOM
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
This Morning's Cat Deeley reveals her REAL name as she's reunited with her old teacher live on air
THIS Morning's Cat Deeley has stunned fans by revealing her real name live on air. 6 Cat Deeley's real name has been revealed Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 It came as she reunited with her former teacher Credit: ITV 6 Cat was delighted to see Mrs Cotterill Credit: ITV Cat and her co-star Ben Shephard had been hearing children talk about their teachers at a primary school in Surrey when she was given the surprise. Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own primary school teacher, suddenly appeared via video link - and she referred to Cat by her real name. Addressing the star, she said: "Her name is Katie." Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: "Because you of course know her as Katie." READ MORE ON THIS MORNING Cat went on to explain that her real name is Catherine, but that she was called Katie when she was growing up. "Well my real name is Catherine but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff," she said. "Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!" Cat was delighted to see her former teacher and she was given a glowing report by Mrs Cotterill. Most read in News TV The teacher, who is from Birmingham , said of Cat at school: "She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person." Cat grew up in Birmingham and attended Grove Vale Junior School, followed by Dartmouth High School. Watch the moment Cat Deeley leaves Hollywood superstar Ben Stiller stunned live on This Morning When she was 14, she reached the national finals of a modelling competition with BBC programme The Clothes Show. She was signed by a model agency and it was then that her name was changed to 'Cat'. Bosses at the model agency decided it would be easier to give her a nickname when it came to clients rebooking her. Cat later moved into television, landing a spot on popular kids' show SMTV: Live alongside Ant and Dec. She went on to become one of a few UK stars to crack America after bagging the job of host on So You Think You Can Dance?. In 2023, Cat was brought in as a guest presenter on This Morning following the departure of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Cat - who has two children with her Irish TV star husband Patrick Kielty - was later made the ITV show's permanent host alongside Ben. 6 Cat's first major TV role came alongside Ant and Dec on SM:TV Credit: PA:Press Association 6 Cat met King Charles in 2002 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 6 Cat later hosted So You Think You Can Dance? in the US Credit: TOM GRISCOM
