Ben Shephard Reveals ‘Crushing’ Exit from This Morning Show
Ben Shephard, a prominent TV presenter in the UK, recently shared insights about a challenging moment early in his career. This experience proved to be pivotal for his professional journey.
Shattering News Early in His Career
At 51, Shephard has made a name for himself, hosting programs such as Good Morning Britain, This Morning, and GMTV. However, it was a significant setback early on that deeply affected him. On the Brilliant Minds podcast, he recounted receiving a “crushing” notification that his contract with Channel 4 was being terminated.
Shephard had been enjoying his role, feeling confident about his performance. His friend, Andi Peters, had facilitated his position, making the news even more disheartening. During a meeting with an unfamiliar executive, he was told, “We don’t think you’re very good. We don’t think you’ll ever be good at this.” This abrupt dismissal left Shephard “floored” and in disbelief.
A Painful Turning Point
The situation was made worse by his recent commitment to buy a flat with his wife, Annie. “That was my first real taste of the harsh reality of television,” he explained. The termination felt terrifying, particularly given his new financial responsibilities. But despair turned into motivation. He expressed hope to prove the executive wrong in the future.
Resilience and Growth
Following the setback, Shephard was given another chance with GMTV’s Entertainment Today in 2000, where he remained for a decade. He has since accumulated an impressive portfolio, also hosting shows like Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior UK. His brief return to Channel 4 included presenting the food show What’s Cooking?.
Beyond his television work, Shephard has participated in Soccer Aid seven times and holds a Guinness World Record for breaking the most pumpkins in one minute.
Reflection on the Experience
Looking back, Shephard described the experience as “hugely important” for his development. “It floored me at the time, but now I understand its significance. You are only ever as good as your last link, and you must keep proving yourself,” he stated.
In an upcoming appearance, Shephard will be a guest judge on The Masked Singer, showcasing his enduring presence in the entertainment industry. Tune in to ITV to catch him alongside regular panellists tonight.
