Cat Deeley turns down This Morning job

Cat Deeley has reportedly turned down a regular hosting role on 'This Morning'.

The 47-year-old presenter and Ben Shepherd were said to have been lined up as permanent replacements for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield but ITV now need to go back to the drawing board after Cat opted to return to the US following the news 'So You Think You Can Dance' is returning to screens.

A source told MailOnline: "There are a lot of people [at ITV] pulling their hair out right now.

"The relaunch date was supposed to be in January but that is no way going to happen now.

"Cat was the answer. She would have been an absolute triumph but they just couldn't make it work. Now it is a case of back to the drawing board to decide a new plan of action."

The news comes just a day after it was revealed Cat and Ben were the number one targets for the show.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "This is one of the most coveted gigs in UK television. ITV execs are determined to get it right.

"Cat really impressed when she came in, and Ben is a consummate professional and hugely popular with the housewife demographic."

However, the insider added that Cat has yet to seal a deal with ITV to bring her onto 'This Morning' full time.

They explained: "Cat is the number one target to replace Holly, but negotiations are ongoing."

The source added: "Lots of people were considered, but ultimately it’s all about chemistry. Everyone is very excited, and the sense is that Ben and Cat will be a real boost to morale on the ground."

Ben previously worked as a stand-in presenter on 'This Morning' between 2005 and 2011 stepping in to cover shows for Phil when he was off, but in recent years he has been presenting on ITV's breakfast show 'Good Morning Britain'.

Cat was previously tipped to take over from Holly after proving popular when she guest-hosted the show for three days last month.