This Morning icon gives her verdict on show’s new co-presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard as she brands them a ‘safe choice’ and admits ‘they didn’t ask me’

A This Morning star has given his verdict on the appointment of Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard as This Morning co-presenters, suggesting they are a safe choice.

Rustie Lee, 74, who has appeared regularly on ITV’s This Morning since 2012, where he presents the cooking segment, said he loves the duo but enjoyed the way the show used a mix of different presenters before that.

Talking about the My Dirty Laundry Podcast, Rustie said: ‘I liked how they went with different presenters all the time. I have never been invited to be a presenter.

‘I’m sure I could perform very well on that show. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done it. I’ve had radio shows in Birmingham. I was a radio presenter on a show on Birmingham, West Midlands, BBC Radio.

‘So, you know, they never said, “Oh, Rustie, you should introduce.” I would love to introduce you and show you that it’s something I can do with people. You have to be good to people.’

She continued: ‘I think Cat and Ben are good. It’s what people want. I liked the mix with people like Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, people from different walks of life.

“I think they’re going with a firm hand, but I saw Cat Deeley work on the show and she did well. Ben Shephard is fantastic too, he’s a good family man.

“But I think the way things went for them since the Phillip Schofield situation (before that) was nice because it gives everyone a chance to do something.”

But good luck to them. I wish you the best. Of course.’

When told he would have been a good choice to host, Rustie responded, “I’d love to do it.” There’s no reason why she shouldn’t do it.

‘A lot of people in Britain know me. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t. Simple as that.’

Cat and Ben became permanent hosts earlier this month after Holly Willoughby left the show in October.

Her departure came five months after her co-host Phillip Schofield left amid the furore over his affair with a much younger colleague.

Holly felt that the show was never the same after that and was eventually “pushed to the edge” by an alleged “kidnapping and murder plot.”

very loved Rustie began her television career as a cooking expert on Good Morning Britain in 1983 and remained on the show until 1991.

Although she continues to appear regularly, she plans to release a range of face creams and has written a series of children’s books.

Learn more on Instagram at @mydirtylaundrypodcast or listen to the full interview at Spotify here