Television presenter Cat Deeley has recounted a frightening experience involving a public shooting in the U.S. that contributed to her decision to move her family back to the United Kingdom. Deeley, 49, stated that she realized the reality of school shootings in America after her husband, Patrick Kielty, and their elder son, Milo, then aged eight, narrowly avoided a shooting incident at the Century City Mall in Los Angeles.
The incident occurred when FBI agents arrived at the mall with guns drawn, ordering shoppers to take cover due to an active shooter situation. Deeley's husband and son were reportedly in a Shake Shack kitchen at the time.
"The FBI turned up with guns and ordered everyone to take cover under counters or hide because a shooter was on the loose," Deeley told The Times, recalling the event. She described the situation as "terrifying," noting that her husband was more shaken than their son.
Deeley and Kielty, along with their sons Milo and James, moved to the UK in 2020. While Deeley has cited a desire for her children to experience a more diverse educational environment in London as a reason for the move, the mall incident solidified her concerns about gun violence in the U.S. She also mentioned being shown safe rooms for children during school tours, which made the reality of school shootings stark.
"It made me realise how [school shootings] are real. They are a problem," Deeley stated.
Deeley and Kielty announced their separation in July 2025, after 13 years of marriage. Deeley now resides in London with her sons and co-parents with Kielty.