In a move that has sent shockwaves through the ITV community, Ben Shephard, the 50-year-old presenter and beloved face of This Morning, announced on May 7, 2025, that he is stepping down from his hosting duties to care for his ailing wife, Annie Perks. The news comes as a devastating blow to fans and colleagues alike, who have come to rely on Ben’s steady presence alongside co-host Cat Deeley on the iconic daytime show. Known for his warmth, professionalism, and ability to connect with viewers, Ben’s departure marks the end of an era for This Morning, a program already navigating turbulent waters after a series of presenter shake-ups in recent years. As the ITV community grapples with this unexpected “family storm,” the announcement has sparked a wave of emotion online, with fans expressing both heartbreak and admiration for Ben’s decision to prioritize his family during a challenging time.

Ben Shephard’s journey with This Morning began in February 2024, when he and Cat Deeley were officially announced as the new Monday-to-Thursday hosts, replacing Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield after their respective departures in 2023. Ben, who had previously hosted Good Morning Britain and Tipping Point, brought a sense of stability to the show, quickly winning over viewers with his easygoing charm and chemistry with Cat. Their tenure, however, has not been without its challenges. Web searches reveal a mixed reception, with some fans voicing complaints about their return after breaks, such as the May 6, 2025, episode where viewers expressed frustration just minutes into the show, according to the Daily Mail. Others, however, celebrated their lighthearted moments, like the April 2025 episode where Ben left Cat blushing with a cheeky joke as she attempted a food challenge on air. Despite the ups and downs, Ben and Cat had become a fixture on the program, making his sudden exit all the more jarring.

The announcement of Ben’s departure came during a live broadcast on May 7, 2025, a moment that caught both viewers and the ITV team off guard. With Cat by his side, Ben delivered the news with a heavy heart, his voice wavering as he explained his decision. “It’s with a lot of sadness that I’m stepping away from This Morning for now,” he said. “My wife, Annie, isn’t well, and she needs me at home. Family has always come first for us, and I need to be there for her and our boys during this time.” He went on to thank his colleagues, particularly Cat, whom he called “an incredible partner,” and the viewers, whose support he said had meant the world to him. The studio atmosphere was somber, with Cat visibly emotional as she hugged Ben, promising to “hold down the fort” until he could return.

Annie Perks, Ben’s wife of over 20 years, has largely stayed out of the public eye, though she’s known for her career in interior design and her popular blog, The House Editor. The couple met during their university days in Birmingham—Ben studying Dance and Theatre Art, Annie majoring in Philosophy—and built a life together in Richmond, London, with their two sons, Sam, 19, and Jack, 18. Ben has occasionally shared glimpses of their family life, such as photos from a skiing holiday in February 2025, where he proudly showed off his sons’ skills on the slopes. He’s often spoken of Annie as his rock, crediting her with keeping their family grounded amidst his demanding career. While Ben didn’t disclose the specifics of Annie’s illness, the gravity of his decision to step away suggests a serious health concern, one that has clearly shifted his priorities.

The timing of Ben’s announcement is particularly striking given the precedent set by another ITV figure, Martin Frizell, who stepped down as This Morning’s editor in November 2024 to care for his wife, Fiona Phillips, who is living with Alzheimer’s. Martin’s decision, reported by Wales Online, was similarly driven by a need to focus on family, and he later launched a podcast, This Much Is True Crime, as a way to stay connected to broadcasting. Ben’s choice echoes this sentiment, highlighting a growing awareness among public figures of the importance of balancing career with personal life, especially in times of crisis. However, unlike Martin, who left a behind-the-scenes role, Ben’s departure as a presenter leaves a visible void on This Morning, raising questions about the show’s future stability.

The reaction from the ITV community and fans has been swift and emotional. On X, hashtags like #BenShephard and #ThisMorning trended within hours of the announcement, with users sharing messages of support and sadness. “Ben stepping down to care for his wife is the most heartbreaking thing,” one fan wrote. “He’s such a good man—wishing Annie all the best.” Another added, “This Morning won’t be the same without Ben. He brought so much warmth to the show.” Colleagues, too, have rallied around him, with Cat Deeley posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “My dear Ben, you’re one of the best humans I know. We’ll miss you terribly, but I’m so proud of you for putting your family first.” Dermot O’Leary, who co-hosts the Friday slot with Alison Hammond, also shared his support, calling Ben “a true gent” and wishing him strength during this difficult time.

Critically examining the narrative, Ben’s decision sheds light on the immense pressure faced by TV personalities to maintain a public facade of perfection while navigating personal struggles. The entertainment industry is notorious for its demanding schedules, with Ben juggling multiple roles—This Morning, Tipping Point, and previously Good Morning Britain—often at the expense of personal time. Web searches reveal that Ben has been open about family struggles in the past, such as a February 2025 segment on This Morning where he shared a “hidden struggle” after a viewer’s story about happiness prompted him to reflect on his own life. While he didn’t elaborate on the specifics at the time, his willingness to be vulnerable suggests a man who values authenticity, a trait that has endeared him to viewers but may also have made the decision to step away more difficult, given the public nature of his role.

The timing of Annie’s illness also raises questions about the toll of Ben’s recent professional commitments. Just days before his announcement, on May 1, 2025, Ben and Cat were involved in a playful but chaotic outdoor segment on This Morning, where they were drenched with ice buckets as part of a challenge, according to The Mirror and Express.co.uk. While the moment was lighthearted, it’s possible that the relentless pace of live television, coupled with personal concerns, was weighing heavily on Ben behind the scenes. The show’s history of presenter turnover—Phillip Schofield’s exit in May 2023 after 20 years, Holly Willoughby’s departure in October 2023 after 14 years, and now Ben’s exit—also points to a broader issue within This Morning: the challenge of maintaining stability in an era of intense scrutiny and viewer expectations. Fans have already expressed frustration with the show’s inconsistency, as seen in complaints about segments like the March 2025 International Day of Happiness episode, which some called “painful” and “bottom barrel scraping,” per The Mirror.

For ITV, Ben’s departure poses a logistical challenge. With Cat Deeley now hosting solo or with temporary replacements, the network must decide whether to bring in a new permanent co-host or wait for Ben’s potential return. Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, who have filled in during past breaks, are likely candidates to step in, but their Friday slot complicates scheduling. The network’s history of presenter shake-ups suggests a willingness to adapt, but at what cost to viewer loyalty? Some fans are already speculating that this could be a tipping point for This Morning, with one X user writing, “First Phil, then Holly, now Ben—ITV needs to get it together. The show’s losing its soul.”

On a personal level, Ben’s decision to prioritize Annie’s health over his career is a powerful statement about the importance of family. The couple’s long-standing relationship, built on mutual support, has been a cornerstone of Ben’s life, as evidenced by their luxurious Richmond home, which Annie has transformed into a haven with her interior design expertise. Her blog, The House Editor, reflects her passion for creating beautiful spaces, a talent that has likely brought comfort to their family during this difficult time. For Ben, stepping away from This Morning allows him to focus on being a husband and father, roles he’s always cherished, as seen in his rare comments about his sons, Sam and Jack, whom he described as “brilliant” during their February 2025 ski trip.

As the ITV community processes this “family storm,” Ben’s departure serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the courage it takes to put loved ones first. While fans may mourn his absence on This Morning, they’re also rallying behind him, hoping for Annie’s recovery and a future where Ben can return to the screen. For now, the focus is on healing, both for the Shephard family and for a show that must once again navigate uncharted waters. Ben’s legacy on This Morning—one of warmth, humor, and heart—will endure, even as he takes this necessary step back to weather the storm at home.