Ben Shephard Blocked from Favourite Programme Following This Morning Role Acquisition

 

Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shephard is reportedly unable to join Strictly Come Dancing due to his new role as a presenter on This Morning.

At the age of 48, he is poised to take over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning, joining forces with co-presenter Cat Deeley.

In September, Ben made appearances on the This Morning couch alongside Holly, much to the viewers’ appreciation, before her unexpected departure was announced.

Following Holly’s exit, This Morning has seen a variety of presenters fill in. However, it appears Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond are set to remain as the main presenters for Fridays and during school holidays.

Despite the buzz around Ben’s potential involvement in a new project, he has hinted in the past that his participation in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing might never materialise due to his wife Annie’s objections.

The host once lightheartedly mentioned that he’s been explicitly instructed by his wife to steer clear of the BBC dance competition. In a conversation with Andi Peters on GMB, Ben expressed his interest, saying, “Andi, I’d absolutely love to take part in Strictly. As you’re aware, I dedicated three years at university to studying dance and even earned a degree in it. Not that it necessarily means I’m any good at dancing. However, my wife is firmly against the idea of me joining Strictly. Despite my public discussions about it, she’s quite clear she doesn’t want me embarking on what she fears could lead to an affair.”

With a touch of cheekiness, he remarked, “I believe she’s being quite narrow-minded, and this could turn out to be a fantastic opportunity. Who knows what might come of it?”

“The whole experience would be incredible. I do have a fondness for a bit of sparkle and glamour on a Saturday night. However, as things are at the moment, there needs to be a discussion between the BBC and my wife. I could be walking into a minefield here!”

Furthermore, he explained his reasons for not taking part in Strictly during an interview last year.

Speaking to Mirror Online, he shared that numerous colleagues, including Kate Garraway, Susanna Reid, Robert Rinder, and Ed Balls, have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the show. He also mentioned working with Helen Skelton, praising her as “absolute dynamite”, an exceptional broadcaster, and a wonderful mother. He expressed admiration for her taking on dancing, acknowledging the joy and endorphins it brings, yet he concluded that it isn’t the right moment for him, describing the commitment as “all-consuming”.

Ben, who shares two teenage sons with his wife Annie, has become one of ITV’s favourite faces. His career on the channel has been highlighted by significant presenting roles on GMTV and then GMB, following his beginnings on Channel 4 with The Bigger Breakfast.

Ben Shephard is also known for hosting the game show Tipping Point, alongside other series he has presented over the years, such as Ninja Warrior, Xtra Factor, and What’s Cooking?

The news broke on Thursday that Ben and Cat are set to become the new permanent hosts, stepping in after Phillip’s departure in May and Holly’s exit in October of the previous year.

A scheduled photoshoot in Miami for the duo was reportedly postponed last week due to conflicts in their schedules.