Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley have been confirmed as presenters of This Morning by ITV.

The duo take over after the exits of long-time hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who left last year.

Shephard, who hosts Good Morning Britain on the same channel, said: “This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning.

“It’s an honour to be trusted with the reins, join Alison [Hammond] and Dermot [O’Leary] and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.”

Deeley, who rose to fame as a presenter of ITV children’s music programme CD:UK along with Willoughby, called This Morning a “national institution”.

She added: “Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships.”

O’Leary and Hammond, who host This Morning on Fridays, were among the stars congratulating the pair.

Commenting on an Instagram video announcing the news, O’Leary wrote: “Huzzah! Welcome to the fam,” while Hammond wrote: “So excited about this.”

TV presenter and former I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Josie Gibson, who often features on This Morning, wrote: “I feel a work welcome party coming on!!!!!”.