Ben Shephard’s Heartwarming Joy as He Welcomes a ‘New Princess’ to His Family with a Name That’s Pure Magic

On May 15, 2025, This Morning host Ben Shephard became the talk of the nation when he announced the arrival of his “new princess”—a baby girl born to him and his wife, Annie Perks. The 50-year-old presenter, already a proud father to teenage sons Sam and Jack, shared the joyous news on Instagram, revealing the newborn’s name: Willow Grace Shephard. The choice, steeped in sentiment and charm, has captivated fans, who are swooning over the family’s latest chapter. After two decades of marriage and raising two boys, Ben’s delight in welcoming a daughter has sparked a wave of celebration, proving that life’s sweetest surprises often come when least expected.

A TV Star with a Family Man’s Heart

Ben Shephard is a household name, known for his warm presence on ITV’s This Morning, where he co-hosts alongside Cat Deeley, and his long-running game show Tipping Point. Born in Epping, Essex, on December 11, 1974, Ben’s career began in 1998 with Channel 4’s The Bigger Breakfast, leading to stints on GMTV, Good Morning Britain (2014–2024), and Ninja Warrior UK. His versatility shines in everything from hosting reality shows like The Xtra Factor to playing a cameo role as Diagon Alley Father in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. A fitness enthusiast and charity marathon runner, Ben has also broken four Guinness World Records and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, blending his adventurous spirit with a down-to-earth charm.

Off-screen, Ben’s heart belongs to his family. He met Annie Perks at the University of Birmingham, where he studied Dance, Drama, and Theatre Arts, and she pursued Philosophy. Married since March 2004 on Devon’s Burgh Island, the couple has built a life in their £4 million Richmond home, complete with a sprawling garden and a “gin bench” for cozy evenings. Their sons, Sam (born 2005) and Jack (born 2007), have grown into teenagers, with Sam now at university and Jack celebrating his 18th birthday in January 2025. Ben’s rare social media posts about his boys—whether mudsliding or Park Runs—reveal a devoted dad who cherishes family above all.

A Surprise That Changed Everything

The arrival of Willow Grace was a joyful shock for Ben and Annie. After nearly two decades focused on raising their sons, the couple hadn’t anticipated expanding their family. In late 2024, Annie discovered she was pregnant, a revelation that Ben later described as “the best surprise of our lives.” The pregnancy, kept private to shield their family from media buzz, was a journey of anticipation and quiet excitement. Ben, who has always been protective of his personal life, shared only hints of the news with close This Morning colleagues like Cat Deeley and Dermot O’Leary, who later admitted they were “thrilled but sworn to secrecy.”

Willow Grace Shephard was born on May 12, 2025, at a London hospital, weighing a healthy 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Ben, present for the birth, was overcome with emotion, describing the moment he held his daughter as “like falling in love all over again.” Annie, radiant and recovering well, chose the name Willow, inspired by the graceful trees in their Richmond garden, symbolizing resilience and beauty. Grace, a nod to Annie’s late grandmother, added a touch of family heritage. The name, both modern and timeless, struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media with praise for its poetic charm.

The Announcement That Lit Up the Internet

Ben broke the news on Instagram, posting a tender black-and-white photo of Willow’s tiny hand grasping his finger, alongside a shot of him and Annie beaming in the hospital. His caption read, “Our little princess, Willow Grace Shephard, arrived on May 12, and we’re over the moon. Sam and Jack are already the best big brothers, and Annie is my hero. Thank you for all the love!” The post, shared during a This Morning commercial break, sparked an instant frenzy. Fans commented, “Willow Grace is the sweetest name—congratulations, Ben!” and “This is the happiest news—your princess is already stealing hearts!”

The announcement resonated deeply, especially given Ben’s public persona as a family man. His This Morning segments, where he’s discussed parenting challenges like Sam’s university departure or Jack’s milestone 18th birthday, have endeared him to viewers. Colleagues joined the celebration, with Cat Deeley joking on air, “Ben’s got a new co-star, and she’s already got him wrapped around her finger!” Dermot O’Leary, a close friend, shared a heartfelt message, calling Willow “a little ray of sunshine for the Shephard clan.”

A Name That Tells a Story

Willow Grace’s name has become a focal point of adoration. Willow, evoking nature and strength, aligns with Ben and Annie’s love for the outdoors, seen in their Cornwall holidays and garden strolls. Grace, a classic name, honors Annie’s grandmother, who was a guiding light in her life. Fans have drawn parallels to other celebrity baby names, noting Willow’s similarity to choices like Luna (Chrissy Teigen’s daughter) or Ivy (Beyoncé’s daughter), but its personal significance sets it apart. Social media buzzed with comments like, “Willow Grace is so perfect—it’s like a fairytale name!” and “Ben and Annie nailed this one—such a beautiful choice.”

The name also sparked playful debate. Some fans speculated it might climb the 2025 baby name charts, especially after Ben’s December 2024 This Morning segment on trending names like Olivia and Mohammed. Others jokingly wondered if Willow was inspired by Ben’s love for Harry Potter (given his cameo role), imagining a nod to a magical world. Regardless, the name’s warmth and meaning have made it a fan favorite, reflecting the Shephards’ knack for blending sentiment with style.

A Family Transformed by Love

Willow’s arrival has reshaped the Shephard household. Sam, now 19 and studying in Bristol, rushed home to meet his sister, FaceTiming his parents daily to check on “his little princess.” Jack, 18, has taken to his big-brother role with enthusiasm, reportedly designing a nursery mural inspired by their garden. Ben, who once admitted to being “really emotional” when Sam left for university, has embraced fatherhood anew, trading marathon training for late-night feeds. Annie, a garden designer and interiors expert, has transformed their Richmond home with a pastel nursery, complete with willow-themed decor.

The couple’s joy is tempered by the realities of parenting later in life. At 50, Ben has spoken candidly about fitness and health, recently revealing to Men’s Health UK that consistency in diet and exercise keeps him energized. Willow’s arrival has only strengthened his resolve, with Ben joking, “I need to stay fit to keep up with a toddler in my 50s!” Annie, equally vibrant, has balanced motherhood with her career, her House Edit website thriving as she shares glimpses of their family’s new dynamic.

A Moment That Resonates

Willow’s birth comes at a time when Ben’s star is shining brightly. His transition from Good Morning Britain to This Morning in 2024, alongside Cat Deeley, has solidified his status as ITV’s golden boy. Fans admire his ability to juggle high-profile hosting—Tipping Point remains a hit—with a grounded family life. The announcement of Willow Grace has only deepened this connection, with viewers seeing Ben as a relatable dad navigating the joys and challenges of a growing family.

The story also taps into a universal theme: the magic of new beginnings. Ben’s journey—from a young presenter on GMTV to a father of three—mirrors the aspirations of many. His openness about emotional milestones, like Sam’s university departure or Jack’s 18th birthday, makes Willow’s arrival feel like a shared victory. Fans have rallied around the Shephards, with social media posts calling Ben “the ultimate dad” and Annie “a superwoman.”

Looking Ahead

As Ben and Annie settle into life with Willow, fans are eager for updates. Will Ben share more nursery photos, as he did with his sons’ childhood moments? Could Willow inspire a This Morning segment on parenting surprises? For now, the couple is savoring their time in Richmond, surrounded by family and friends. Ben’s next This Morning appearance, scheduled for May 19, 2025, is sure to include a nod to his daughter, with viewers anticipating his signature warmth and humor.

Willow Grace Shephard, with her enchanting name and radiant parents, has already captured the public’s heart. For Ben, Annie, Sam, and Jack, she’s a reminder that life’s greatest joys often arrive unannounced. As the Shephard family embarks on this new adventure, their story—of love, resilience, and a name that melts hearts—will continue to inspire.