Ben Shephard Celebrates 22 Years with Wife Annie in Heartfelt Tribute
Television presenter Ben Shephard has marked his 22nd anniversary with his wife Annie by sharing a rare and nostalgic photo, calling her "the best thing to ever happen to me." The This Morning host, aged 51, took to social media to reminisce about their long-standing relationship, posting a selfie from the early days of their romance that captured a moment of youthful affection.
A Sweet Social Media Post
In a caption filled with warmth and humour, Shephard wrote, "So 22 yrs ago today @mrsannieshephard said 'oh go on then' and that was that!" He continued, "It might have taken me 9 yrs to realise it and to ask her to marry me but she’s still the best thing to happen to me," before playfully mentioning his other great love—West Ham legend Mark Noble. The post quickly garnered attention from his showbiz friends, with podcast co-host Joel Dommett commenting, "This is THE BEST," and This Morning co-star Cat Deeley adding, "Oh go on then 'The Marvelous Mrs Sheps.'"
Their Journey Together
Ben and Annie first met as students at the University of Birmingham, laying the foundation for a relationship that would endure decades. They tied the knot in 2004 in Salcombe, Devon, after Ben proposed in Paris a year earlier, following a nine-year courtship. The couple shares two sons: Sam, aged 21, and Jack, aged 19, who are now embarking on their own paths as young adults.
The Secret to Their Marriage
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail's Weekend Magazine, Shephard opened up about the dynamics of his marriage. He explained, "Annie was with me way before I got into telly. She has been through everything with me, the highs and lows." He praised her patience, joking, "She’s exceptionally patient. And I’m very patient with new shoes." More seriously, he reflected, "What I really think is that we were great mates when we got together."
While Ben has built a high-profile career over twenty years, presenting shows like This Morning, Tipping Point, and The Summit, Annie has maintained a quieter life, focusing on their family and her career in interior design. Shephard acknowledged her role, saying, "Annie has been brilliant at allowing me the space to go off and do the job I do. She’s been the most important factor in our lives as a family; this amazing influence who created the home for our boys to become who they are and certainly made me better at being a dad."
Embracing the Empty Nest
As their sons grow older—Sam is studying maths at university, and Jack is working as a teaching assistant to save for travels—Ben and Annie are preparing for the next chapter as empty nesters. Shephard admitted, "Having been surrounded by boys, their mates and girls for a very long time, it’s going to be quieter. It is already." However, he expressed excitement about this new phase, calling it a "challenge" to redefine their home life with just Annie.
He elaborated, "Both of us feel like this next stage is really exciting... 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: play golf, go for a run, go to the gym, see some football or rugby. She wants to go to an art gallery or see a garden. It’s about finding things that work for both of us – but as I say, that feels really exciting."
This heartfelt anniversary tribute not only celebrates a milestone in Ben and Annie Shephard's marriage but also offers a glimpse into the enduring partnership that has supported them through life's changes, from student days to family life and beyond.
