This Morning's Cat Deeley leaves fans open-mouthed as she reveals her REAL name live on air
Cat Deeley left fans open-mouthed as she revealed her real name on This Morning on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old presenter made the surprise confession during a heartwarming segment celebrating Thank A Teacher Day, where she was reunited with her former primary school teacher.
Cat and co-host Ben Shephard had been listening to children share stories about their favourite teachers at a school in Surrey when the emotional surprise unfolded.
Mrs Cotterill, Cat's own teacher from her school days, appeared via video link - and casually referred to her by her real name, catching viewers off guard.
Addressing the star, she said: 'Her name is Katie.'
Ben said to Mrs Cotterill: 'Because you of course know her as Katie.'
Cat, who received a glowing report from Mrs Cotterill, revealed that her real name is Catherine.
She went on to share that she was known as Katie during her childhood - a far cry from the name fans have come to know her by over the years.
'Well my real name is Catherine, but my grandad always used to call me Katie and my mum and dad and stuff,' she said, adding: 'Unless I was in trouble, then I was sometimes Catherine!'
Giving her feedback on Cat, who was delighted to see the familiar face, Mrs Cotterill said: 'She was very enthusiastic, a very kind child. Always wanting to help, always wanting to be involved, just actually, an all round super person.'
Cat grew up in Birmingham, attending Grove Vale Junior School before moving on to Dartmouth High School.
At just 14, she made it to the national finals of a modelling competition run by the BBC show
Her success led to a modelling contract - and it was during this time that her name was shortened to Cat, marking the start of her career in the spotlight.
Cat and Ben were unveiled as the new faces of This Morning last year, stepping in to replace long-time presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
Ben said at the time: 'This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It's an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job.
'For the last ten years I've been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat...
'Welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.'
Cat added: 'This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it's on, it's like having your friends over - funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful - like all the greatest friendships!...
'This Morning is and always will be the viewer's show.
'Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we're going to do our best to take care of it.'
Cat previously fronted a whole host of shows, including So You Think You Can Dance? in the states.
During this time she settled down with Irish comedian Patrick Kielty, and the couple share two sons, James and Milo.
The family used to live in Los Angeles for 14 years, but decided to make the UK their home after a terrifying mall shooting a few years ago.
Given the commonality of shooting incidents within the school system, it prompted Cat and Patrick to think twice.
'Fear was part of this,' Cat told the Daily Mail's You magazine about leaving the US.
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