ITV's This Morning studio was filled with laughter on Wednesday after presenter Ben Shephard made a brilliantly awkward live television blunder. The incident occurred during a segment discussing a heartwarming Christmas competition winner.
The Festive Faux Pas Unfolds Live
Shephard and his co-host Cat Deeley were sharing the story of a viewer who had a doubly special day. The woman had won a major ITV Christmas competition and, on that very same day, had also become a grandmother. The discussion was focused on the joyful news of the newborn baby girl, named Indie.
In a moment of festive-minded confusion, Shephard attempted to convey the perfect timing of the events. However, his words took an unexpected turn. He mistakenly described baby Indie as being "straight out of the box," a phrase typically reserved for new gadgets or presents, not newborn children.
Swift Correction and Studio Hysteria
Realising his error almost instantly, Shephard quickly tried to backtrack and clarify his meaning. He explained to the panel and viewers that he was thinking of "Christmas presents," given the seasonal theme of the competition. This clarification did little to calm the reaction.
The remark sent the entire This Morning panel, including Deeley, into fits of hysterics. The sheer absurdity of the phrase applied to a newborn, coupled with Shephard's own flustered reaction, made for unforgettable live television. Shephard himself struggled to maintain his composure, visibly turning red with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement at his own verbal stumble.
An Apology to the New Grandmother
Ever the professional, Shephard did not let the moment pass without addressing it directly. Amid the laughter, he took a moment to offer a sincere, if humorous, apology to the new grandmother for his unusual choice of words. The tone remained light-hearted and warm, fitting the show's festive atmosphere.
The blunder, which occurred on Wednesday 3 December 2025, has since become a talking point for viewers, showcasing the unpredictable and often charming nature of live broadcasting. It served as a reminder that even seasoned presenters like Ben Shephard are not immune to a moment of on-air madness, especially during the busy Christmas period.
