This Morning presenter Cat Deeley has faced backlash from viewers after she referred to the Remembrance Day’s two minutes of silence as a moment to “celebrate”.
During Monday’s ITV programme on November 11, Cat hosted alongside co-host Alison Hammond. As the clock edged closer to 11am, the start time of the silence, Cat remarked: “We are going to go and celebrate now with the rest of everybody, with the memorial.”
As the nation prepared to observe the solemn tradition, Cat continued: “It is the 11th 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 will remember those who served and still serve our country.”
Following the national pause in which This Morning showcased moving scenes from various memorial services including the Cenotaph, Cat observed: “Incredibly moving scenes there,” when the silence concluded.
Cat’s use of the word “celebrate” instead of “remember” or similar terms puzzled and angered many viewers who had tuned into the programme. People took to Twitter to express their disbelief: “Celebrate????”
Others queried online if Cat misunderstood the tone of the event, with comments like: “Did Cat say a celebration instead of Remembrance,” and other viewers pointedly correcting her: “Celebrate the memorial?”
“What are we celebrating Cat?” one viewer asked, while another emphatically stated: “No we are gonna remember Cat, not celebrate!” highlighting their astonishment at the choice of words.
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One viewer took to social media to express their discontent, stating: “Can I just say, Cat, that was a time to remember, not to, as you said, ‘celebrate’.” They continued, “Enough with this disrespectful nonsense, please.”
Another viewer chimed in, pointing out: “The word you were looking for was ‘commemorate’ not ‘celebrate’ Cat.” They added, “Bloody hell ITV, you need to give a lot more thought to your presenting choices.”
Further adding to the confusion, another viewer shared their thoughts after the silence had ended, posting: “I didn’t want to say anything with the two minutes silence approaching but celebrate?!?! CELEBRATE?!” Another person claimed, “From celebrate to incredibly moving, someone told her to say that.”
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