Ben Shephard is a well-known British presenter with a glistening career that has made him one of the most recognisable faces on UK TV.
Over the past 26 years, he has hosted an array of popular programmes across some of Britain’s most revered networks.
Shephard’s charm and approachable on-screen presence have endeared him to audiences, while his commitment to charitable work, such as Soccer Aid and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, has further warmed the hearts of the nation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the man with the microphone.
What is Ben Shephard famous for?
It might not surprise you to learn that Shephard actually trained as an actor. He studied Dance, Drama, and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham and was on course to pursue a career in front of the camera.
In his first role as a runner, Shephard was encouraged by a producer to consider trying his hand at presenting. Sure enough, his big break came soon after in 1998, when he began hosting Channel 4’s spin-off show, The Bigger Breakfast, alongside Dermot O’Leary.
That same year, Shephard became the inaugural presenter of T4’s teen strand on Channel 4, as well as Control Freaks. Alongside Channel 4, Shephard has also worked with Sky, ITV, the BBC, Magic Radio, and Heat Radio.
The 49-year-old has taken the reins of countless big-name shows, with GMTV, Tipping Point, Ninja Warrior UK, The Xtra Factor, Dancing On Ice Exclusive, One Night Only, A Question of Sport, and the National Lottery’s 1 vs. 100 among the most notable.
Away from the world of news and entertainment, Shephard has shown a keen interest in sports. He appeared as a studio host during the 2012 London Olympics and hosted multiple Champions League nights for Sky.
His friendship with footballing icon Chris Kamara is well publicised, and the pair co-presented Goals on Sunday in a deal reportedly worth £495,000 a year.
They’re set to reunite again for a new series that explores Kammy’s journey with apraxia.
Over the years, Shephard has often traded his microphone for football boots to participate in Unisef’s Soccer Aid, where he holds the unfortunate record of being the only person ever sent off in the charity’s history.
Shephard’s other philanthropic efforts include involvement in Sport Relief, Comic Relief, Game 4 Grenfell, and ongoing work with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Shephard is currently the main host of ITV’s This Morning, which boasts 486,000 viewers daily. He stepped into the role alongside Cat Deeley in March after their predecessors, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, left under controversial circumstances.
Are Ben Shephard and Jack P Shephard Related?
While Ben Shephard and Coronation Street’s Jack P Shephard are both on television and share the same surname, that’s where the relationship ends.
Contrary to popular opinion, they are not related. Ben does have a son called Jack Shephard, though, which might be where the confusion stems from.
Who Is Ben Shephard Married To?
Ben Shephard is married to his University sweetheart, Annie Shephard, formerly Perks, and the pair have two children together. They met while studying in Birmingham and went on to marry in 2004.
She runs her own blog called The House Editor, which combines her love of interior design and writing.
Ben Shephard vs Sara Cox
Ben Shephard and fellow presenter Sara Cox have long been friends, but their relationship was put under the microscope when scammers started posting fake pictures of a supposed spat between the two in a bid to farm clicks.
This prompted a flurry of searches on TikTok and X from fans hoping to get the tea. Sorry to disappoint, but there really isn’t anything in that one.
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