Ben Shephard has become one of the most familiar and loved faces on British television. For many people, he feels like someone you already know — the friendly face you wake up to, the calm voice in breaking news moments, and the presenter who always brings warmth to every show. In recent years, Ben Shephard has stepped into an even bigger role on This Morning, joining Cat Deeley as the new main hosts. This change came after a long and very dramatic period for the show, and for many viewers, Ben Shephard has been the “safe pair of hands” the programme needed.
In this Article, we’ll look at who Ben Shephard really is, why viewers trust him so much, and how his long career shaped the person we see on screen today. We’ll also look at some of the big moments that have happened on This Morning, including high-pressure breaking news, emotional interviews, and funny on-air surprises. Everything will be easy to follow, simple to read, and full of clear details.
A New Chapter: Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley Take Over This Morning
When Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley became the new main hosts of This Morning, it felt like a fresh start. The show had gone through one of the most difficult times in its history. Long-time host Phillip Schofield stepped down after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague. Holly Willoughby later left after a frightening stalker incident. On top of that, former staff spoke about bullying and a toxic working culture behind the scenes. All of this made viewers nervous about the future of the show.
This is why Ben Shephard was such a strong choice. He is calm, steady, and very easy to trust. Cat Deeley brings fun, warmth, and the same friendly energy she showed on SM:TV and So You Think You Can Dance. Together, they make a team that viewers feel safe and happy watching.
One of their first big moments as the new hosts came when they had to report a very serious breaking news story live on air. Ben Shephard stopped the show and announced an attack at a synagogue in Manchester, which left several people injured. His tone was calm and clear, and viewers praised him for handling such upsetting news with care. This showed why ITV trusted him with such a huge job.
Why Viewers Love Ben Shephard: Warm, Friendly, and Always Real
If you watch Ben Shephard often, you already know why people like him so much. He speaks in a friendly way, he listens to guests, and he always treats people with kindness. There is nothing fake or forced about him. Even during serious moments, he stays calm and caring.
Ben Shephard also doesn’t hide his emotions. When Martin Lewis appeared on This Morning earlier in the year, an elderly woman shared how she and her husband lost all their life savings in a cruel scam. The scammers used a fake video of Martin Lewis to trick them. Ben Shephard’s face showed real shock and sadness as he listened. Many viewers said that his reaction made the moment even more powerful, because it showed how deeply he cared.
On lighter days, he is also the first to laugh. When Martin Lewis shocked everyone by singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” during his Christmas special, Ben and Cat were left open-mouthed. Ben Shephard teased him in a gentle way, calling him “Showbiz Lewis.” These small moments are the kinds of things viewers remember — easy, warm, and fun.
The Long Road to Success: How Ben Shephard Built His Career
Ben Shephard didn’t suddenly appear on TV as a major presenter. His career started slowly, and he worked very hard to reach where he is today. He grew up in Essex, went to Chigwell School, and then studied Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham. At first, he wanted to become an actor. But after working as a runner — one of the most junior jobs on a TV crew — a producer encouraged him to try presenting instead. That one moment changed everything.
His first big job was on The Bigger Breakfast in 1998. From there, he became the first presenter of the T4 teen strand on Channel 4, and he also hosted Control Freaks. These early roles helped him become confident on screen, and they showed viewers that he was a natural.
But his real rise began on ITV. Ben Shephard became a major part of GMTV, then one of the main hosts on Good Morning Britain, and the long-time presenter of Tipping Point, one of ITV’s most popular daytime game shows. He also co-hosted Ninja Warrior UK, worked for Sky Sports, appeared in BBC programmes, and even set Guinness World Records. All of these things added to his charm and reputation.
Ben Shephard didn’t rush his career — he built it step by step.
A Strong Personal Life: Family, Love, and Staying Grounded
Behind the scenes, Ben Shephard is a devoted family man. He married his wife, Annie Perks, in 2004. They met at university, and they have two sons, Sam and Jack, who are now young adults and much taller than him. In fact, Ben often laughs about this on social media and on This Morning.
Recently, the whole family travelled to Egypt for a holiday in Cairo. They visited the Pyramids of Giza, walked through ancient tunnels, and enjoyed time together. Ben Shephard shared photos of the trip, and fans loved seeing the family relaxed, happy, and close.
He also talks openly about mental health. For him, running and gym workouts are a form of meditation. In 2024, he shared that he had been diagnosed with ADHD, something that runs in his family. He said the diagnosis helped him understand himself better and made him more open with viewers.
Ben Shephard’s Deep Love for Rugby
One of the things many people do not know about Ben Shephard is how much rugby shaped his life. Long before he ever stood in a TV studio, he was running around a rugby field every weekend. He started playing when he was only four years old at Woodford Rugby Club, where his father and brother also played. He still talks about that club with real emotion, because it gave him friends, discipline, and a sense of belonging from a very young age.
Rugby was a huge part of his childhood. Ben Shephard remembers going to games with his dad, sitting in the old stand, and thinking that one day he wanted to be back there as a grown-up. He played scrum-half for many years, then fly-half, and later fullback as he grew older. The sport gave him some of his closest friends, people he still speaks to today. For him, rugby was not just a game. It was a place where he learned how to work hard, support others, and stay focused even when things were tough.
His love for the sport continued into university, where he joined the rugby team at the University of Birmingham. He even went on rugby tours, including the famous 1997 British and Irish Lions tour in South Africa. He jokes that he once dressed as a Spice Girl during a match day just to have fun and blend in with the wild rugby atmosphere. These stories show that Ben Shephard is not only a presenter but someone who lived a very full and lively life long before fame.
Special Rugby Memories That Stayed with Him
One moment Ben Shephard talks about often is when he went to the 2007 Rugby World Cup final in Paris. He travelled with his father and brother, and even though England did not win, he says the experience meant everything to him. Another strong memory is from his early teens, when he saw a dramatic fight during an England match at Twickenham. He was sitting in the South Stand when Argentina’s Federico Mendez knocked out Paul Ackford. It was one of the first times he had ever seen such a shocking moment in real life, and it has stayed with him ever since.
Ben’s stories show something important. Even after many years of being a well-known TV presenter, he still remembers where he came from. He has spoken about how he misses the physical side of rugby, the teamwork, and the feeling of working hard toward something with people he trusts. These memories keep him grounded and remind him of the simple things that matter most.
His Work in Charity and Helping Others
Outside of television, Ben Shephard spends a huge amount of time helping charities. He has run many marathons to raise money and has taken part in major charity challenges. One of his most famous challenges was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009 with a group of well-known celebrities. Together, they raised more than three million pounds for Comic Relief.
He also took part in the Soccer Aid matches many times, playing for England. These games raise money for UNICEF and support children around the world. Even when he could not play because of an injury, he still joined as a coach so he would not miss the chance to help. Ben Shephard has also run a 145-mile coast-to-coast challenge and taken part in tough boxing events for charity. These efforts show how committed he is to making a positive impact beyond television.
Part of what makes Ben’s charity work so inspiring is how open he is about it. He does not act like a celebrity doing something big. He talks in a humble, normal way, as if he is simply someone who wants to help in any way he can. It is another reason why so many people feel connected to him.
Big Moments on This Morning
As one of the main presenters on This Morning, Ben Shephard often finds himself in serious or emotional situations. When breaking news happens, he is the person who has to stay calm and guide viewers through it. A recent example was when he had to announce a tragic attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, where several people were injured on Yom Kippur. Ben gave the information in a careful and steady way, showing respect for the families and for the seriousness of the event.
Not all moments on the show are heavy. There are plenty of fun and surprising moments too. One such moment came when Martin Lewis, known for his money-saving advice, suddenly appeared in a clip singing a Christmas song with a strong, smooth voice. Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were shocked and joked about it live on air. This fun side of the show helps balance the serious stories and reminds viewers that This Morning is a place where all kinds of moments can happen.
Ben and Cat also handle emotional interviews very well. When a guest shared that she and her husband had lost their life savings to a scam using fake videos of Martin Lewis, Ben was visibly moved. His expression showed real empathy. Many viewers praised him for responding in a very human and honest way.
A Presenter Who Feels Close to Viewers
There are many reasons why Ben Shephard has such a strong connection with viewers. Part of it comes from his long career. People have watched him on GMTV, Tipping Point, Good Morning Britain, and now This Morning. He has been in their homes for more than twenty years. But the other part comes from his personality. He never tries to act like a celebrity. He talks in a simple, friendly way. He smiles easily. He listens fully. He reacts honestly.
Even small things, like sharing pictures of his family holiday in Egypt or laughing about how his sons now tower over him, help people see him as more than just a presenter. They see him as a dad, a husband, a friend, and someone who understands normal life.
Ben Shephard has kept this same energy even as his career has grown. When asked what matters most, he often says that family, health, and kindness always come first. He works hard, but he stays grounded. This is why viewers continue to trust him, believe in him, and welcome him into their homes each day.
Why Ben Shephard’s Story Still Matters Today
In a time when the media world changes so fast, and when television shows face pressure from all sides, someone like Ben Shephard brings stability. He gives people a sense of calm and comfort. His journey from a young boy on a rugby field to a leading face on one of ITV’s biggest shows is a reminder that success can come from patience, hard work, and staying true to who you are.
His story also shows that being kind, honest, and caring still matters. Whether he is announcing breaking news, interviewing a celebrity, supporting a charity, or simply laughing about a family moment, he does it all with the same warm and genuine energy.
