ITV This Morning’s Cat Deeley’s big family decision before signing up to ITV show

Cat Deeley shares admission about her weekend

Before her major departure to America,  Cat Deeley was a household name after fronting famed shows such as Stars in Their Eyes, SMTV Live, and Fame Academy.

After relocating almost a decade ago, her career reached new heights as she hosted So You Think You Can Dance, for which she gained five Primetime Emmy nominations.

She also enjoyed presenting stints on the Today Show, Regis and Kelly and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

The family lived a lavish lifestyle in a mansion which the couple purchased for a reported £2.1million

However, Cat’s life in California came to an abrupt end when her husband Patrick Kielty and sons Milo, eight, and James, five, lives were in danger.

Cat Deeley shares two sons with her husband Patrick Kielty (Image: Instagram)

In 2020, Patrick and Milo were caught up in a terrifying gun scare while enjoying a meal at a Shake Shack in a shopping mall in Los Angeles.

The gunman, Nicholas Oates, pointed his weapon at the staff which unleashed terror among unsuspecting shoppers.

In an interview, Cat recalled that everyone was told to “lie down” on the floor at the scene as she recalled seeing police and helicopters when she arrived.

“Everyone was told to lie behind the counter or pushed into the loos. People were screaming and crying.

Cat Deeley and her husband Patrick Kielty lived a lavish life in Los Angeles (Image: Getty)

“Then, as they were all hiding, the FBI turned up with guns. Paddy kept Milo calm — he didn't really know what was going on.

“As I was driving, I began to see helicopters, news vans, firemen and armed police response squads.”

The assailant was arrested and later sentenced to seven years in prison for arson and assault with a firearm.

Cat added: “It makes me go funny now. The gun laws in America are crazy.”

In February, Cat and Ben Shepherd were confirmed as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s replacement, nine months after Phillip’s ITV departure.