Ben Shephard has opened up about his family life in rare comments, admitting he feels 'jealous' of his sons as they embark on their own adventures. The This Morning host, 51, and his wife Annie, whom he married in 2004, are adjusting to an empty house after their two sons, Sam, 21, and Jack, 19, have flown the nest.
Ben's Take on Fatherhood
Speaking about his sons leaving home, Ben said: 'For me and the boys, it's about 'Off you go, spread your wings. Go and have an adventure, and we're here when you need us.'' He explained that while Sam is at university, Jack is travelling and funded the trip himself. Ben admitted he is envious of the time his sons have ahead of them, saying: 'I'm jealous they've got so much ahead.'
Annie's Different Reaction
Ben revealed that his wife Annie has a different approach to the empty nest. 'Annie will check where he is and make sure he's got everything he needs. I caught her the other day, every day she opens his curtains and then closes his curtains, and every night she says goodnight to him,' he said. In contrast, Ben joked: 'I just say 'Thank goodness he's not here because the bedroom is tidy for a change!''
Living Separate Lives
Ben, who rarely discusses his private life, recently spoke about how he and Annie live 'separate lives.' He explained: 'Annie is much more solitary than me. She's much happier in her own company. Half the time she's like, 'I need a bit of space. Can you leave me alone for five seconds, please?'' However, he emphasized that Annie is the 'most important factor in our lives as a family.'
The couple have been preparing for the moment their sons leave home, with Jack working as a teaching assistant before travelling and Sam studying maths at university. Ben added: 'We do live quite separate lives. I'm off working, she has her job, which is garden and interior design. If I've got spare time I want to do something physical.'
