WHEN her 13-year marriage to Patrick Kielty shockingly ended last year, Cat Deeley was left feeling anxious as she navigated a brand new chapter.
But 12 months on, the This Morning star, 49, has undergone a transformation and has a new lease of confidence, The Sun can reveal.
Cat and Patrick met in the early 2000s and formed a friendship which turned to romance, tying the knot in 2012 during a private Rome ceremony.
After living in Los Angeles for several years, the former couple had returned to the UK in 2020 to start a new life with their two children, Milo and James.
However, they announced their separation last summer in a sad statement, as they vowed to continue a positive co-parenting relationship.
At the time, we told how Cat was feeling ‘anxious’ about returning to work following the split and how she would work through it.
But now, a close friend has revealed to The Sun that Cat is living her new single life to the fullest.
She is not only open to dating again and looking more glamorous than ever, but is making a U-turn when it comes to her famously private home life.
They revealed: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this before. There’s just a lightness to her now.
“She’s saying yes to things she might have dismissed in the past, especially with work but also in her real life off screen.
“She’s been really open, she’s not afraid to be emotional or be herself on TV – she’s just enjoying her life much more.
“She’s even letting people see more of her home life inside her house – she’s filmed a few big brand projects at home, which is quite a big step for her as she and Patrick were extremely private but I guess she is just more relaxed with herself, she’s not overthinking anything and just saying yes to everything that fills her cup.”
Whilst it’s been a long time since Cat was on the dating scene, the pal revealed that the TV star isn’t against getting back out there.
And she might even be spotted on exclusive celeb dating app Raya one day, they confirmed.
“She is open to dating again, definitely, but it has to feel right. She wouldn’t go on apps because that’s just not her style, well maybe Raya one day, she’s not totally closed off.
“She likes the idea of what’s out there, a bit of flirting, a bit of fun, without any pressure.”
When not on TV, Cat has been enjoying nights out with pals and has been spending more time with the likes of best friend Charlie Brear and several of her male pals.
Describing the time with friends as “exactly what she needed”, our source says Cat’s nearest and dearest are helping her live to the fullest.
Whilst her close relationship with co-host Ben has also provided a helping hand, with the broadcaster’s ‘solid’ friendship providing laughs and a shoulder to cry on.
And from chic ensembles for This Morning’s early call times to glamorous Instagram posts, Cat appears to be glowing from the outside, too.
“You can see the difference in her too, she simply looks incredible. Not just glamorous, but genuinely happy,” said the insider.
They added: “It’s that kind of confidence you can’t fake, and people around her have really noticed it. She’s glowing, and I think a lot of that comes from feeling more in control of her own life again.
“It really does feel like a whole new chapter for Cat. She’s happier, more relaxed, and completely herself again and I think that’s why everything seems to be falling into place for her on and off screen.”