Cat Deeley apologises after making huge blunder on first day hosting This Morning

CAT Deeley was forced to apologise on today’s show after co-host Ben Shephard pointed out her error.

The 47-year-old and Ben, 49, made their hotly anticipated debut as This Morning’s permanent hosts today – taking over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

But while reading out the number for a phone in, Cat made a mishap and missed out a zero.

As Ben was quick to correct her, pointing out the number started with 08000 rather than 0800, Cat bizarrely said she had the ChildLine number in her head.

"That's where I'm getting it from," she said.

Cat presented American competition show So You Think You Can Dance for more than a decade.

But after 14 years across the pond with husband Patrick Kielty and their sons, they decided to move back to the UK.

Earlier in the show, comic duo Ant and Dec gave Ben "a word of advice" about Cat, whom they worked with on Saturday morning kid's show SM:TV Live.

Last month The Sun revealed that Ben and Cat had been selected for the coveted role hosting This Morning after a string of rotating presenters.

Pay for the new duo is understood to be around £550,000 each — £150,000 less than Holly and Phil.

Cat said: "We are so excited to be here ... This show has been a huge part of our lives for so long, so to be actually standing here with you, it's good."

Opening the show today, Ben, said: "Hello, it's Monday March 11, welcome to a brand new week."

Ben agreed, saying: "It is very special, we are thrilled to be here."

He also thanked those who have sent them messages of support, which included a cheeky message from Ant and Dec, as well as former footballer Chris Kamara.