Cat Deeley is a prominent media personality known for her work in television, modeling, and acting. She began her career in modeling at 14 after reaching the national finals of a BBC competition, adopting the nickname "Cat" to stand out.
Cat transitioned to television presenting in 1997, gaining recognition as a co-presenter on the MTV chart show "Hitlist UK." From 1998 to 2002, she co-hosted the children's program "SMTV Live" and its spin-off "CD:UK," winning a BAFTA Children's Award in 2001. In 2003, she co-presented the talent show "Fame Academy" on BBC One and later hosted ITV's "Stars in Their Eyes" until 2006. Since then, she has been the host of the US reality competition "So You Think You Can Dance," earning five Primetime Emmy nominations for her work.
In 2007, Cat presented at the Concert for Diana, a tribute watched by an estimated 500 million people. She has also hosted various other shows, including "The Record of the Year," "The Brit Awards," and "Soundtrack to My Life."
Cat has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Children’s Award and Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Reality Host in 2012 and 2014. She became a UNICEF UK ambassador in December 2009.
In her personal life, Cat married Patrick Kielty in 2012, and they have two children. She was previously married to Mark Whelan from 2001 to 2006. Cat has been a patron of London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children since 2003. Her versatility and adaptability have made her a beloved figure in both the UK and the US entertainment industries.