Ben Shephard's 'Troubling' Interview Approach Sparks Concern Among This Morning Guests
Ben Shephard, the much-loved 51-year-old presenter who began hosting ITV's This Morning alongside Cat Deeley in 2024, is reportedly adopting a harder line of questioning that has left celebrities and their public relations teams seriously nervous. According to insiders speaking to The Sun, this new tactic represents a significant departure from the show's typically light-hearted format, raising eyebrows behind the scenes.
A Shift in Interview Style
An insider revealed to the publication: 'It’s This Morning, not Newsnight. Over the last six months, Ben has started to randomly take questioning down a far harder line.' The source explained that editors frequently agree with key guests to avoid personal topics and keep discussions work-related to ensure the show continues booking desirable guests. However, Shephard has allegedly begun throwing in controversial, newsy questions, creating apprehension among PR professionals about placing their clients on the programme.
Recent Example with Stacey Solomon
Last week, during an appearance to promote her guest role on Britain's Got Talent, Stacey Solomon faced such questioning from Shephard. The Loose Women star, who temporarily filled in for Simon Cowell during auditions, was asked about 'crazy rumours' regarding her marriage to Joe Swash after Shephard noted she wasn't wearing her wedding ring. Solomon responded humorously, suggesting she might have removed it for practical reasons or joked about dropping it in a lake related to Swash's projects, but the exchange highlighted the new interview dynamic.
The couple first met in 2010 on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, began dating in 2016, moved in together in 2018, got engaged in 2020, and married in 2022. They are parents to Rex, six, Rose, four, and Belle, two, with Solomon also having sons Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships, and Swash having a son, Harry.
Emotional Moment with Fearne Cotton
Earlier this month, Shephard displayed a different side during an interview with Fearne Cotton about her new book, Likeable: How I Broke Free From The Need To Please. Shephard became emotional, telling viewers 'I'm going to cry' as Cotton discussed her experiences with people-pleasing and therapy. He shared that he read the book in a pub, finding it difficult due to their close friendship, and praised her honesty and creativity, recalling attending her Happy Place Festival in London.
Industry Reactions and Implications
This reported shift in Shephard's approach has sparked debate within television circles. While his tenure on shows like Tipping Point and Good Morning Britain has made him a firm favourite, the new strategy risks altering the tone of This Morning, traditionally known for its accessible, celebrity-friendly interviews. Insiders suggest that if the trend continues, it could impact guest bookings and viewer expectations, potentially blurring the lines between daytime entertainment and hard-hitting journalism.
This Morning airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. Daily Mail has contacted Ben Shephard's representatives for comment on these reports.
