Ben Shephard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Shephard
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Shephard at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018
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| Born | 11 December 1974 Epping, Essex, England
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| Alma mater | University of Birmingham |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
| Employer | ITV |
| Television |
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| Spouse(s) |
Annie Perks
(m. 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
Ben Shephard was born on 11 December 1974. He is a well-known English television presenter and journalist. You might know him from popular TV shows.
Currently, Ben is a co-presenter on ITV's This Morning. He started this role in 2024, working alongside Cat Deeley. Before that, he was a main presenter on the breakfast show GMTV. He also co-hosted Good Morning Britain from 2014 to 2024.
Ben has hosted many other exciting shows. These include The Krypton Factor, Tipping Point, and Ninja Warrior UK. In 2012, he helped welcome athletes from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This special event took place in Trafalgar Square.
Contents
Early Life and School
Ben Shephard went to Chigwell School in Essex. After that, he studied at the University of Birmingham. He earned a degree in Dance, Drama, and Theatre Arts.
At first, Ben wanted to be an actor. While at university, he joined a local weather network. He started as a "runner," which is a junior helper on a TV crew. A producer then encouraged him to become a TV presenter.
Ben's TV Career
Starting at Channel 4
Ben's TV career really began in 1998. He started hosting The Bigger Breakfast on Channel 4. He worked with other presenters like Josie D'Arby. In the same year, he became the first presenter for T4's teen shows. He also presented a show called Control Freaks.
Ben returned to Channel 4 in 2013. He co-presented a cooking show called What's Cooking?. He hosted one series with Lisa Faulkner before leaving Channel 4.
Working at ITV
Ben has done a lot of work for ITV. From 2004 to 2006, he presented The Xtra Factor. This was a spin-off show from The X Factor. He left after three series.
Ben was a stand-in presenter on This Morning for many years. He filled in for regular hosts like Phillip Schofield. In 2024, he became a permanent presenter. He now hosts the show from Monday to Thursday with Cat Deeley.
In 2006, Ben co-presented Soapstar Superstar. This was a reality singing contest. He also co-hosted Dancing on Ice Exclusive in 2007. In 2008, he co-presented Who Dares, Sings!.
Ben hosted music specials too. These included Rod Stewart: One Night Only and Phil Collins: One Night Only.
In 2009, ITV brought back the game show The Krypton Factor. Ben was chosen to present the new series. He hosted it for two successful years. Since 2012, Ben has presented the popular daytime game show Tipping Point. He also hosts the celebrity version, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars.
Since 2015, Ben has co-presented Ninja Warrior UK. This Saturday night game show is for ITV. He hosts it with Rochelle Humes and Chris Kamara.
ITV Breakfast Shows
Ben joined the breakfast show GMTV in 2000. He presented Entertainment Today. He also became a relief presenter for GMTV Today. In 2005, he became a main co-host on GMTV Today.
On 30 June 2010, Ben announced he was leaving GMTV. He wanted to spend more time with his family. His last show was on 30 July 2010.
In 2014, a new ITV breakfast show started. It was called Good Morning Britain. Ben was announced as a presenter on 3 March 2014. He hosted the show on Thursdays and Fridays. His co-hosts included Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway.
In 2024, Ben announced he would leave Good Morning Britain. He moved to This Morning as a permanent presenter. His final Good Morning Britain show was on 23 February 2024.
Working at Sky
On 27 July 2010, Ben signed a contract with Sky Sports. He presented Goals on Sunday with Chris Kamara. He also hosted coverage of the UEFA Champions League. Ben was the main anchor for Sky Sports' League Cup coverage.
In 2011, Ben hosted an eight-part game show for Sky One. It was called Safebreakers. Ben left Goals on Sunday in 2019 to spend more time with his family.
Working at BBC
In the early 2000s, Ben presented EastEnders Revealed for BBC Choice. In 2007, he presented the BBC entertainment series DanceX.
From 2008 to 2009, Ben hosted the National Lottery game show 1 vs. 100. He took over from Dermot O'Leary. In 2012, he left the BBC to focus on his work with Sky Sports and ITV.
Radio Work
In 2006, Ben was a presenter on Magic Radio. He hosted a Saturday breakfast show. He returned to radio in 2008. He presented a Monday evening show on Heat Radio.
Other Fun Work
Ben has appeared in a few films. He was in the TV film A Bear's Christmas Tail in 2004. He also had a small, uncredited role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2009. He played a "Diagon Alley Father." In 2017, he voiced himself in The Lego Ninjago Movie.
In 2012, Ben was a studio host for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. He also acted as a stadium commentator. He introduced events and interviewed celebrity guests.
Ben holds a Guinness World Record! In 2010, he set the record for smashing the most pumpkins in one minute. He also once held records for the highest reverse bungee jump and tossing the most pancakes.
Personal Life
Ben Shephard married Annie Perks on 25 March 2004. They have two sons together. They met while they were both students at the University of Birmingham. Ben also enjoys playing rugby and football.
Charity Work
Ben supports many charities. These include the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Haven House Children's Hospice. He takes part in physical challenges to raise money. Since 2000, he has completed 14 marathons!
Ben has played for England in Soccer Aid many times. This event raises money for the Unicef charity. In 2016, he even got a red card for a foul! He was an England Coach for Soccer Aid in 2018 due to an injury.
For the Sport Relief appeal, Ben once boxed against the singer Lemar. He trained hard and won the match.
In 2009, Ben climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with other celebrities. This was to raise money for Comic Relief. The team raised over £3.3 million! In 2010, Ben and a friend ran the Coast-to-Coast Challenge. They ran 145 miles in five days, raising over £120,000 for a children's heart unit.
Ben has also helped raise awareness for Prostate Cancer. He designed special hipsters for charity in 2011. In 2017, he played in a football game called Game 4 Grenfell to raise funds.
Book
- Humble Heroes: Inspirational stories of hope, heart and humanity (Blink Publishing, 2022) ISBN: 978-1788707657
