Television presenter Cat Deeley has joined a popular online trend, taking a nostalgic look back at her life a decade ago by sharing a series of personal photographs from 2016. The images offer a glimpse into her 14-year stint living and working in Los Angeles, a period defined by career highs, glamorous parties, and the start of her family, but also by a frightening incident that ultimately contributed to her decision to leave the US.
Glamorous Snapshots from a Los Angeles Life
Deeley, who now co-hosts ITV's This Morning alongside Ben Shephard, rose to prominence in the US as the long-time host of So You Think You Can Dance from 2006. Her throwback photos capture the essence of that era, featuring the star on studio sets, at A-list red carpet events, and enjoying wild nights out with her girlfriends. In one playful caption reflecting on the style of the time, she declared, 'Heels were high, filters were strong and my hand made a permanent peace sign!'
Replying to a comment from her stylist friend Charlie Brear about their party preparations, Deeley humorously noted that their signature look was often 'dry shampoo and a dress out a case for the win!' The collection also includes star-studded selfies with celebrities like actress Sarah Hyland and singer Jason Derulo, as well as a photo from a shoot with supermodel Cindy Crawford.
Family Beginnings and a Frightening Turning Point
The year 2016 was personally momentous for Deeley, as it was when she and her now ex-husband, comedian Patrick Kielty, welcomed their first child, son Milo. A sweet Halloween-themed throwback shows the new mother playing with her baby boy. The couple expanded their family in LA with the birth of their second son, James, in 2018.
However, Deeley has previously revealed that a terrifying gun incident was a major factor in the family's decision to return to the UK in 2020. In an interview, she discussed her anxiety about potential school shootings, a fear that became a shocking reality during a trip to the Century City Mall. Her husband and eldest son were caught up in the emergency when a shooter was reported on the loose.
'The FBI turned up with guns and ordered everyone to take cover under counters or hide,' Deeley recounted. Patrick and Milo were forced to shelter in a Shake Shack kitchen. 'It was terrifying. Paddy was shaken by it, more than Milo, who was hot and cranky but didn’t properly understand,' she added, describing the frantic phone call she received from her husband as they tried to escape.
New Chapter in the UK and Personal Changes
The family's relocation brought them closer to relatives and paved the way for Deeley's high-profile role on This Morning in 2024, following the departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. She and Kielty announced their separation in July 2023 after 13 years of marriage, stating they would continue to co-parent their two sons amicably from their home in London.
While reflecting on a decade defined by professional success, personal joy, and profound fear, Deeley's viral post paints a complex picture of her life in Los Angeles, underscoring the personal reasons behind her return to British television and family life.
