London, June 13, 2025 – This Morning presenter Cat Deeley has opened up about her husband Patrick Kielty’s ongoing battle with a long-term illness, revealing that the Irish comedian and Late Late Show host was unaware of his condition for some time. The 47-year-old TV star, speaking candidly on a recent episode of ITV’s This Morning alongside co-host Ben Shephard, shared that Patrick, 54, has been grappling with shingles, a painful viral infection, which went undiagnosed initially due to its ambiguous symptoms. The revelation has sparked curiosity among fans, with many wondering why the couple chose to keep the illness private until now.
During a segment discussing shingles with Dr. Sara Kayat, Cat disclosed that Patrick mistook his symptoms for irritation caused by fiberglass exposure during their home renovations. “My husband’s got it at the moment, and he didn’t know what the symptoms were. He didn’t spot them. He actually thought he’d got fiberglass in his face,” Cat explained, noting that the burning, tingling sensation on his face was initially misattributed to construction work at their £5 million London property. Dr. Kayat highlighted that shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, affects one in three adults and can appear anywhere on the body, including sensitive areas like the face, as in Patrick’s case.
The couple’s decision to keep Patrick’s health struggles out of the public eye stems from their long-standing commitment to privacy, particularly regarding personal matters. Cat, who has been married to Patrick since 2012, has previously emphasized their desire to shield their two sons, Milo, eight, and James, six, from media scrutiny. Sources close to the couple suggest that Cat and Patrick chose not to disclose the illness earlier to avoid unnecessary public concern and to focus on managing his condition privately while continuing their demanding careers. “Cat and Patrick are incredibly private about their family life. They didn’t want speculation or pity to overshadow their work or their children’s well-being,” a source told OK! Magazine.
Patrick’s illness was only revealed during the This Morning discussion due to its relevance to the topic of shingles awareness, with Cat using the platform to highlight how easily the condition can be overlooked. “He thought he’d touched his face after moving things at the house. It was only later we realized it was shingles,” she added, underscoring the importance of recognizing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and a distinctive rash that progresses to fluid-filled blisters. The revelation resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media to express support, with one writing, “Thank you, Cat, for sharing. It’s so important to raise awareness about shingles—it’s more common than people think.”
The couple’s reticence to share health details aligns with their approach to other personal challenges. In 2020, Cat spoke about a “terrifying” incident in Los Angeles, where Patrick and their son Milo were caught in a shopping mall during a suspected active shooter situation, a key factor in their decision to relocate to the UK. Similarly, Patrick has discussed the tragic murder of his father in 1988, but both he and Cat have been selective about what they share publicly, prioritizing their family’s emotional security.
Despite the challenges of Patrick’s condition, Cat emphasized his resilience and their strong partnership. In a lighter moment on This Morning, she playfully responded to Ben Shephard’s teasing about Patrick’s health, saying, “You know he’s poorly at the moment, so he can’t sort you out!” The couple, who met while co-hosting Fame Academy in 2002 and married in a private Rome ceremony, have often shared glimpses of their supportive dynamic, with Patrick previously praising Cat’s infectious positivity in a heartfelt Instagram post.
As Patrick continues to manage his shingles, Cat’s openness has sparked conversations about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for the condition. The couple remains focused on their family and careers, with Cat’s role on This Morning and Patrick’s hosting duties on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show keeping them in the public eye. Fans have rallied behind them, with one commenting on X, “Wishing Patrick a speedy recovery. Cat’s strength in sharing this is inspiring.” For now, the couple’s decision to keep the illness private until it served a greater purpose reflects their careful balance of public life and personal boundaries.