Former This Morning icon Holly Willoughby looks set to do battle with current presenter Cat Deeley as the pair duke it out for the coveted Best TV Presenter award at this year’s National Television Awards. The talkshow legends were both officially announced to be on the long-list

of nominees on Tuesday morning and now face a gruelling public vote to whittle down to the final shortlist of nominees who stand a chance of winning the coveted trophy this September.

The new rivalry comes just eight months after Holly announced her exit from the show back in October 2023, when she decided to step away from the popular ITV morning show after 14 years at the helm alongside Phillip Schofield.

In a statement shared on Instagram at the time Holly wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield famously helmed This Morning together for 14 years ( 

Image:

Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

“Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said, ‘We only look after this

show, it will always belong to the viewers.’ It’s been an honour to just be part of it’s story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly.”

Following Holly’s departure, for several months the star’s potential replacement remained a complete mystery, until finally after careful consideration, Cat Deeley stepped into the presenting shoes left by her predecessor and began hosting This Morning alongside Ben Shephard in February 2024. Since then she has proven to be a firm hit with fans, with both women having cemented their places in viewers hearts.

Get more of the latest TV and showbiz news, royal gossip, news and sport from the Mirror

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard took over main presenting duties on This Morning back in February 2024 ( 

Image:

Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Although viewers will have to wait until August to find out if either presenter makes it to the shortlist, the winner of the category will be announced at a star-studded bash at London’s O2 on September 11 2024.

To date, Holly has won five NTA awards, all for her stellar presenting skills on screen. However, rival nominee Cat has yet to win a single NTA award, but she has previously been nominated five times in total for a similar US award at the Primetime Emmys.