Television presenter Cat Deeley has revealed that a terrifying mall shooting incident in Los Angeles was a key factor in her decision to return to the UK to host ITV's This Morning. The 47-year-old, who had spent 14 years working in the US, was out with her husband Patrick Kielty and their son Milo when the drama unfolded in 2019.
The incident occurred at a Shake Shack restaurant in Century City, Los Angeles. In a 2020 interview, Deeley described the chaos: 'Everyone was told to lie behind the counter or pushed into the loos. People were screaming and crying. Then, as they were all hiding, the FBI turned up with guns.' She added that Kielty kept Milo calm, but the experience was 'terrifying' and left them shaken.
The scare was caused by Nicholas Oates, a disgruntled ex-Amazon employee who set fire to books in a shop and pointed a gun at a staff member before fleeing. He was arrested the following day and sentenced to seven years and four months in prison after pleading no contest to arson and assault with a firearm. Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said the situation 'created terror in the minds of hundreds of shoppers'.
Shortly after the incident, Deeley began making plans to end her successful stint in the US. She has now taken over as the permanent replacement for Holly Willoughby on This Morning, alongside Ben Shephard, who replaces Phillip Schofield. Deeley called the show a 'national institution' and said she 'can't wait to be a part of the team'.
In leaving LA, Deeley and her family have given up a mansion with a gym and swimming pool. She rose to fame as a presenter on SM:TV Live and CD:UK, and has hosted shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Stars In Their Eyes, and Fame Academy.
