Cat Deeley, the vibrant 48-year-old presenter of ITV’s This Morning, has long been a style icon, known for her chic and trendsetting wardrobe choices. However, her recent return to the show after a half-term break sparked an unexpected firestorm of controversy that has set social media ablaze. On Monday, June 2, 2025, Deeley stepped onto the This Morning set alongside co-host Ben Shephard, donning an outfit that viewers described as more suited for a “night out” or a “beach bar” than a daytime television studio. The ensemble—a daring black halterneck top with a bold slit down the chest, paired with sleek red trousers—prompted a wave of criticism from fans who labeled it “unprofessional” and “bizarre.” This sartorial scandal has not only divided viewers but also reignited debates about workplace attire, presenter image, and the evolving expectations of daytime TV audiences. So, what exactly happened, and why is this moment dominating headlines? Let’s dive into the details.

The Outfit That Sparked the Controversy

When Deeley returned to This Morning after a week off, expectations were high for her signature polished yet approachable style. Known for her ability to blend high-street fashion with designer pieces, Deeley often garners praise for her outfits, with fans rushing to replicate her looks from retailers like River Island and Marks & Spencer. On this occasion, however, her choice of a sleeveless black halterneck top, featuring a daring chest slit, paired with vibrant red trousers and accessorized with gold jewelry, left viewers stunned. The outfit, while undeniably glamorous, was deemed too casual and revealing by some, with social media users quick to voice their disapproval.

Comments flooded platforms like X, with one viewer quipping, “Cat obviously still in her clothes from a night out,” while another remarked, “Has Cat come straight from a beach bar? Bizarre choice of outfit.” Others took a harsher tone, with one user stating, “Cat—you’re not having a day at the beach, love. Dress like a professional at work.” The backlash wasn’t limited to Monday’s episode. The following day, Deeley doubled down with another bold look—a top paired with a long yellow skirt, a large gold-buckled tan belt, and nude sandals—that further fueled the debate. Fans accused her of prioritizing fashion over professionalism, with some even comparing her choices to those of other presenters known for pushing sartorial boundaries.

A Pattern of Polarizing Fashion Choices

This isn’t the first time Deeley’s wardrobe has made headlines. In the weeks leading up to this controversy, her outfits on This Morning have consistently drawn attention, both positive and negative. For instance, on May 20, 2025, she wore a butter-yellow mini dress that was hailed as a summer must-have, with fans scrambling to purchase it from River Island. However, just days later, on April 30, 2025, her decision to pair tan knee-high boots with a summery outfit during a UK heatwave left viewers baffled, with many questioning her stylist’s choices. These moments highlight Deeley’s willingness to take fashion risks, a trait that has both endeared her to style enthusiasts and alienated more traditional viewers.

The recent controversy also comes on the heels of reports that This Morning bosses had relaxed outfit rules for presenters, a change hinted at by co-star Rochelle Humes. This shift may have emboldened Deeley to experiment with bolder, less conventional looks, but it appears to have backfired with a portion of the audience. The question now is whether Deeley’s fashion choices reflect a deliberate attempt to modernize the show’s image or simply a misstep in reading the room.

The Viewer Divide: Fashion Forward or Inappropriate?

The reaction to Deeley’s outfits reveals a deeper divide among This Morning viewers. On one hand, her supporters argue that her bold fashion choices inject personality and modernity into the show, which has faced challenges in recent years due to presenter shake-ups and declining viewership. They point out that daytime television has evolved, with hosts like Holly Willoughby and Amanda Holden also embracing glamorous, boundary-pushing looks. Deeley’s defenders see her as a trailblazer, unafraid to challenge outdated notions of what a TV presenter “should” wear.

On the other hand, critics argue that her outfits undermine the professionalism expected of a morning show host. This Morning is a staple of British television, covering topics ranging from serious news to lifestyle segments, and many viewers believe presenters should dress in a way that reflects the show’s broad appeal. The comparison to a “beach bar” or “night out” suggests that some fans feel Deeley’s looks are out of touch with the show’s daytime audience, which spans a wide range of ages and demographics. This tension raises broader questions about the balance between personal style and workplace expectations, particularly for women in the public eye.

Deeley’s Response and Social Media Presence

Despite the backlash, Deeley has remained unfazed, at least publicly. On the day of the controversy, she posted several Instagram Stories showcasing her outfit, suggesting confidence in her style choices. This move only intensified the debate, with some fans praising her for owning the look while others accused her of ignoring valid criticism. Deeley’s social media presence has always been a key part of her brand, allowing her to connect with fans and share glimpses of her life both on and off the This Morning set. However, her decision to highlight the controversial outfit may indicate that she views the criticism as a minor hiccup rather than a serious misstep.

Interestingly, Deeley’s co-host, Ben Shephard, has largely escaped scrutiny for his wardrobe choices, which tend to be more conservative—think polo shirts, chinos, and blazers. This disparity highlights the gendered nature of fashion criticism, with female presenters often facing harsher judgment for their appearance. Deeley’s experience is not unique; other female hosts, from Susanna Reid to Lorraine Kelly, have faced similar debates over their on-screen looks, underscoring the challenges women navigate in the media industry.

The Bigger Picture: Evolving Expectations in Daytime TV

The controversy surrounding Deeley’s outfit is about more than just fashion—it’s a reflection of the changing landscape of daytime television. This Morning has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the departure of long-time hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, which left the show struggling to regain its footing. Deeley and Shephard, who took over as permanent hosts in 2024, have been tasked with revitalizing the program while maintaining its core appeal. Their chemistry and professionalism have been praised, but moments like this outfit controversy highlight the challenges of appealing to a diverse audience.

The relaxed dress code reportedly implemented by This Morning bosses may be part of a broader strategy to modernize the show and attract younger viewers. However, the backlash suggests that not all fans are on board with this shift. Daytime TV audiences often value familiarity and relatability, and Deeley’s bold fashion choices may be perceived as alienating to those who prefer a more traditional presenter image. At the same time, her willingness to take risks could help This Morning stand out in a crowded media landscape, where streaming platforms and social media compete for attention.

What’s Next for Cat Deeley and This Morning?

As the dust settles on this wardrobe controversy, all eyes are on Deeley’s next move. Will she continue to push the fashion envelope, or will she opt for safer, more conventional looks to appease critics? Her track record suggests she’s unlikely to shy away from bold choices, but the intensity of the backlash may prompt her stylists to tread more carefully. Meanwhile, This Morning faces the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with tradition, a task made more complex by the scrutiny faced by its hosts.

For now, Deeley remains a polarizing figure—celebrated by some as a style icon and criticized by others as out of touch. Her ability to navigate this controversy will likely depend on her knack for connecting with viewers, a skill she’s honed over decades in the industry. Whether you love or loathe her outfit, one thing is clear: Cat Deeley knows how to get people talking.

Why This Matters

The uproar over Deeley’s This Morning outfit may seem trivial to some, but it touches on deeper issues of gender, professionalism, and the evolving role of television presenters. For women in media, appearance is often unfairly scrutinized, with every outfit choice dissected and debated. Deeley’s experience is a reminder of the double standards that persist in the industry, where male hosts like Shephard face little to no criticism for their attire. At the same time, the controversy highlights the power of social media to amplify viewer opinions, for better or worse.

As This Morning continues to navigate its post-Schofield and Willoughby era, moments like these serve as a litmus test for the show’s direction. Can Deeley and Shephard win over skeptics while staying true to their personal brands? Only time will tell, but for now, Deeley’s “beach bar” outfit has sparked a conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.