ITV's This Morning studio was left in a state of astonishment as presenter Ben Shephard made a remarkably candid revelation about his family's unconventional weekend routines during a lively segment on the show.
Shephard's Startling Admission
The discussion was sparked by co-host Cat Deeley and guest Gyles Brandreth after they referenced a recent confession from television personality Amanda Holden. Holden had disclosed on the Table Manners podcast that she once prepared a full Sunday roast dinner completely nude in front of her husband and teenage daughters, citing exceptionally hot weather as her motivation.
When the topic was raised on the popular daytime programme, Shephard, 51, did not hesitate to share his own experiences. "Yeah - why not? Come on. We'd have a laugh," he declared, immediately capturing the attention of everyone on set.
A Naked Family Dynamic
Shephard elaborated further, explaining that nudity was a normalized part of family life when his sons were younger. "We go cliff jumping together, it's never been an issue," he said. "The boys are 20 and 18 now so we're probably all a little bit more discreet but growing up, if people weren't naked over the weekend, we hadn't had a normal weekend."
This frank disclosure visibly surprised his colleagues. A wide-eyed Cat Deeley responded with humour, remarking, "Imagine the Shephard household. Thank goodness I only work with him from Monday to Thursday." Gyles Brandreth was similarly taken aback, his expression one of genuine shock at the revelation.
Co-Hosts React to Domestic Nudity
The conversation then turned to the practicalities, and potential hazards, of cooking without clothing. Deeley pointed out the safety concerns, stating, "That's dangerous - think of all that bubbling fat and spitting hot water." She also joked about her own kitchen's lighting being unsuitable for such activities, suggesting candlelight might be more appropriate.
Shephard, however, remained unfazed by the culinary risks. He quipped that a nude cooking session could serve as "a little amuse bouche before things get started," adding, "I wouldn't have an issue with that, I don't think."
Family Life and Future Projects
Ben Shephard shares his two sons, Sam, 20, and Jack, 18, with his wife Annie, whom he married in 2004. The presenter's openness about his family's past habits provided a rare glimpse into their private life.
Meanwhile, Shephard's professional schedule remains busy. ITV confirmed last week that he is set to host a new reality competition titled The Summit. The adrenaline-fuelled series will follow fourteen strangers as they attempt to climb a mountain in New Zealand's Southern Alps, competing for a potential prize share of £200,000.
This Morning continues to air weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming service, delivering its unique blend of celebrity interviews, topical discussions, and unexpected revelations.
