Ben Shephard Reveals “Crushing” Departure from This Morning Show

Ben Shephard, a prominent television presenter in the UK, recently discussed a pivotal moment early in his career. He described how he received the “crushing” news of being axed from a TV show, an event that greatly impacted his professional journey. At 51, Shephard is a familiar face on programs such as This Morning and Good Morning Britain.

Experience of Being Axed

During an appearance on the Brilliant Minds podcast, Shephard recounted a traumatic early experience in his career. He had just begun his job with Channel 4, thanks to support from his friend Andi Peters. Everything seemed to be going well until he was summoned for a meeting with a powerful executive.

Shephard was informed by the executive that his performance was unsatisfactory. The termination of his contract came as a shock, leaving him feeling “floored.” Adding to the pressure, he and his wife Annie had recently purchased a flat, heightening his sense of responsibility.

A Learning Experience

In reflecting on this challenging time, he shared, “That was my first taste of being in television and realizing how subjective and brutal it can be.” He expressed a desire to prove the executive wrong, which he has since accomplished through a successful career.

Career Breakthrough

Shortly after this setback, Shephard secured a role on GMTV’s Entertainment Today in 2000, where he remained for a decade. His later successes included hosting This Morning, Good Morning Britain, and participating in shows like Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior UK.

• Presenter on This Morning
• Host of Good Morning Britain
• Appeared in Soccer Aid seven times
• Guinness World Record holder for smashing pumpkins

A Crucial Turning Point

Shephard remarked that the experience of being fired ended up being “hugely important” for his growth. He emphasized the idea that one is “only ever as good as your last link” in the television industry. He found the setback ultimately led to a greater understanding of the profession.

Ben Shephard’s story serves as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity. He will also appear as a guest judge on The Masked Singer soon, joining the regular panelists on ITV.