ITV favourite Ben Shephard has shared the brutally honest reaction from his wife Annie after he landed his prestigious new role on This Morning alongside Cat Deeley.
The beloved presenter, who recently made the switch from Good Morning Britain to the daytime flagship programme, revealed that his spouse of nearly 25 years didn't hold back when giving her opinion on his career move.
'About Bloody Time!' - Annie's Blunt Assessment
During a recent appearance on The One Show, Shephard disclosed Annie's four-word verdict that left him reeling. "She said, 'About bloody time!'" the 49-year-old presenter confessed with a laugh.
He elaborated: "She's been telling me to leave GMTV and then GMB for years, so she was absolutely delighted when I finally got the call for This Morning."
A Supportive Partnership Behind the Scenes
Despite her humorous bluntness, Shephard was quick to emphasise that Annie has been his rock throughout his broadcasting career. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004 and share two sons, have maintained one of showbiz's most stable marriages.
"She's incredibly supportive," Shephard explained. "But she also keeps me grounded and isn't afraid to tell me exactly what she thinks - which is probably why we've lasted this long!"
Navigating the Transition to This Morning
The presenter admitted that moving from the hard news focus of Good Morning Britain to the more lifestyle-oriented This Morning has been a significant shift. "It's a completely different rhythm," he noted. "But Annie thinks it suits my personality much better."
Shephard joins Cat Deeley as the new permanent hosts following Phillip Schofield's departure and Holly Willoughby's exit last year. The pairing has already received positive feedback from viewers, with many praising their natural chemistry.
Family Comes First
Despite his high-profile career, Shephard has always prioritised family life. He and Annie have successfully kept their children out of the spotlight while navigating the challenges of fame.
"Having that honest perspective at home is invaluable," Shephard reflected. "When you're in this industry, you need people who'll tell you the truth, not what you want to hear."
The presenter's candid revelation about his wife's reaction has resonated with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to praise the couple's down-to-earth dynamic.
