Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty’s poignant decision to return to the UK due to a deeply personal reason
The pair connected on a reality show, and Patrick journeyed across continents to court Cat before they exchanged vows a mere nine months into their relationship.
Television personalities Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty exchanged vows after a whirlwind nine-month courtship, with determined Patrick traversing continents to win the heart of the TV luminary.
Having hosted prominent shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and The Late Late Show, the celebrity pair previously resided in Los Angeles before opting to return to the United Kingdom. At 47 years old, Cat, who shares two children with the 52-year-old host of The Late Late Show, is reportedly slated to permanently step into Holly Willoughby’s shoes on This Morning. With her anticipated debut today alongside Rylan Clark, here’s an insight into her adventurous love story with the Irish comedian.
Encounter among contestants on a reality television programme
Patrick informed Tommy Tiernan that they crossed paths on the set of the reality TV show, Fame Academy, back in 2002. Notably, both individuals were in relationships with other people during that period. “We were committed to our respective partners at the time and nothing untoward occurred, but there was a subtle connection,” Patrick revealed to Tommy in January. This initial connection gradually evolved into a stronger bond, prompting Cat and Patrick to maintain friendly contact, exchanging ‘Happy Birthday’ wishes. However, it was a specific birthday that marked a significant turning point…
Patrick traverses the globe to court Cat
In 2020, Cat shared a heartwarming tale on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, reminiscing about a remarkable birthday experience she had with Patrick. Recounting the pivotal moment, she revealed, “There was a night just before my birthday – the specific age eludes me now, it was in my thirties – when he phoned me.”
Describing the conversation, she recalled, “He asked, ‘What are your plans for your birthday? I’m calling to wish you a happy birthday.’ I replied, ‘We’re heading to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a late brunch; a civilised affair. It’s a shame you’re not here, you could have joined us.'”
At that time, Patrick found himself in a pub in County Down. However, driven by a sudden impulse, he hurried to the airport to catch a 7 am flight to LA for the following day. Cat confessed that during her birthday brunch, she was taken aback when Patrick unexpectedly arrived, admitting that in that instant, she “found herself slightly falling in love with him.”
Getting hitched following a whirlwind nine months of dating
The couple became husband and wife in 2012, following a whirlwind romance of nine months. Their wedding took place at the picturesque St Isidore’s College in Rome. Interestingly, Cat confessed her disinterest in the wedding planning, allowing Patrick to take the lead in organising their relaxed ceremony. In an interview with Closer post-wedding, she revealed, “Patrick took charge of the food tasting and all the arrangements. I hadn’t even seen the wedding venue before the ceremony, that’s how little involvement I had.” Nonetheless, she had one request for the special occasion – she wished for their guests to dress to the nines and enjoy an exceptional day. “I have the opportunity to dress up and attend special events frequently, so for me, that was the most thrilling aspect,” she expressed.
Expanding their household
Following their marriage, the couple joyously welcomed their sons, Milo, aged seven, and James, aged five. Cat and Patrick hold a preference for safeguarding their personal lives, yet glimpses of their children occasionally grace Cat’s Instagram in delightful snapshots.
In 2022, the star hailing from Birmingham shared amusing tales about her role as a mother during an appearance on The Ellen Show. She charmingly revealed that her children had a mischievous penchant for shedding their clothes, eliciting laughter from the audience. Light-heartedly, she quipped, “It’s all in good fun now, but I do wonder about the supermarket antics when they’re 17!”
Poignant Cause Behind Their Return to the UK
Certainly, here’s a revised version in UK English:
“Cat disclosed that one of the driving factors behind relocating her family from Los Angeles back to the UK was the concern over gun violence in the US. The television presenter, along with her husband Patrick and their two sons, Milo, made the decision to return to Britain in 2020, a transition that took them three years to execute.
Despite their sunny Californian lifestyle, Cat revealed that the decision to move stemmed from a harrowing experience. Patrick and their eldest son, Milo, were present at the Century City Mall in Los Angeles during a distressing shooting incident. Recounting the moment to You magazine, Cat detailed how FBI agents instructed shoppers to seek cover due to an active shooter in the vicinity.
Describing the incident, she said: “The entire centre was placed on lockdown. I received a call from Paddy, informing me that they were being evacuated through the fire exits but couldn’t reach their car. He asked if we could pick them up if they made it to a nearby junction.” Fortunately, both Patrick and Milo emerged unharmed.
Cat admitted that her perspective on raising a family in the US shifted dramatically, particularly when she began exploring schools for her boys. “The schools provided detailed protocols on potential scenarios, outlining whether children would be directed to safe rooms or instructed to hide under desks… It suddenly dawned on me, the looming danger,” she explained.
In conclusion, Cat expressed contentment with her decision to relocate, emphasizing the opportunity for her sons to attend school in the UK and spend valuable time with their grandparents.”
