This morning’s episode of This Morning on ITV stirred controversy as host Cat Deeley unintentionally used a word that viewers found ‘disrespectful’ while introducing the coverage of Armistice Day. On the show, as Deeley was leading into the two-minute silence for Armistice Day, she said, “We’re going to go celebrate now… with the memorial.” This choice of words did not sit well with many viewers, especially during a time when the nation was honouring the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and mourning those who had fallen. The show featured footage from memorial services in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Westminster Abbey, as well as scenes from the Cenotaph.
Returning to the studio after airing the memorial service footage, Deeley, alongside Alison Hammond and former Royal Marine Ben McBean, acknowledged the poignant moments by stating, “Incredibly moving scenes there, you’re watching This Morning on ITV1.” Despite this, viewers took to social media to express their disappointment with Deeley’s phrasing, suggesting that “commemorate” would have been a more appropriate term instead of “celebrate.” One viewer tweeted, “Can I just say, Cat, that was a time to remember, not to, as you said, ‘celebrate.’ Enough with this disrespectful nonsense, please. #ThisMorning.”
Several viewers who were watching the show live shared their frustrations online, with some even accusing ITV of disrespecting the two-minute silence by cutting into it. One viewer expressed their displeasure on Twitter, saying, “Well done #ThisMorning for breaking into the two-minute silence before it had even finished… So disrespectful!” Another viewer added, “#thismorning two minutes silence once a year too much to ask to acknowledge the debt we owe those who fought for our freedom. Shocking decision.”
Earlier in the show, Cat Deeley had mentioned the significance of the date, stating, “It is the 11th of November, and as we approach 11 o’clock, it is time for us to pay our respects and join the nation for a two-minute silence where we’ll remember those who served and still serve our country.” Despite Deeley’s attempt to acknowledge the solemnity of the occasion, her choice of words stirred a wave of criticism and disappointment among viewers of the popular morning show.
The incident involving Cat Deeley’s choice of words on This Morning highlights the importance of language and sensitivity when addressing occasions of national remembrance and reflection. While the intention behind Deeley’s words may not have been to cause offense, the impact on viewers and the significance of the moment were paramount. As the nation paused to commemorate Armistice Day, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for care and thoughtfulness in the language used, especially during moments of solemn reflection and respect.
In response to the backlash, Cat Deeley has not yet issued a public statement addressing the incident. However, the discussion sparked by her choice of words has prompted a wider conversation about the significance of language in honouring and respecting moments of national importance and remembrance. As viewers continue to share their opinions and reactions online, the incident on This Morning serves as a reminder of the power of words and the impact they can have, particularly during times of commemoration and reflection.