ITV's This Morning presenter Ben Shephard has candidly opened up about his personal life, revealing a surprisingly strict household rule and offering intimate insights into his long-standing marriage. The 51-year-old television star, known for hosting shows like The Summit and The Masked Singer, spoke about how his priorities have shifted since his teenage years.
A 'Ruthless' Approach to Household Tidiness
In a revealing interview with The Big Issue, Shephard admitted that younger versions of himself would be shocked by his current approach to domestic organization. "I was not a particularly tidy teenager," he confessed, "and now my teenage boys would argue that I'm the most ruthless when it comes to keeping bedrooms tidy."
The presenter specifically highlighted his frustration with laundry management, explaining: "Probably that my bed is made and I get really annoyed that my boys don't put their pants in the wash basket. So that would be quite a sea change. I think my final words for my younger self would be just put your washing in the basket and be nicer to your old man."
The Central Role of Wife Annie
Beyond household rules, Shephard offered heartfelt reflections on his marriage to Annie, his wife of over two decades. The couple, who share two sons—Sam, 21, and Jack, 19—have built a life together that Shephard describes as fundamentally shaped by his partner's influence.
"I am very aware that in my relationship, my wife is the most important person," Shephard emphasized. "I have learned more from her than anyone in my life." This sentiment comes despite what he describes as their "quite separate lives," with Shephard pursuing television work while Annie focuses on her career in garden and interior design.
Navigating Different Personalities in Marriage
In a separate conversation with the Daily Mail, Shephard elaborated on the dynamics of their relationship, noting that Annie possesses a more solitary nature than he does. "Annie is much more solitary than me," he explained. "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?'"
Despite these differences in temperament and daily routines, Shephard was quick to reaffirm Annie's central importance to their family structure. "We do live quite separate lives," he acknowledged. "I'm off working, she has her job. If I've got spare time I want to do something physical." Yet he consistently returned to the theme of her irreplaceable role in their lives together.
Professional Commitments and Personal Balance
Shephard's reflections come as he continues his professional commitments, currently hosting ITV's adventure competition series The Summit. The show features 14 contestants attempting to reach the peak of a mountain on New Zealand's South Island, competing for a share of £200,000. This demanding production schedule makes his emphasis on domestic harmony and marital connection particularly noteworthy.
The television personality's willingness to discuss both the mundane aspects of household management and the deeper emotional foundations of his marriage provides a rare glimpse into how public figures navigate the intersection of professional demands and personal relationships.
