Ben Shephard Explains Reason for Unexpected Absence from This Morning

Ben Shephard’s absence from This Morning has entered its second week, leaving fans curious about his whereabouts. The 49-year-old presenter finally explained his break during a live video call from New Zealand, putting to rest speculation that he might be part of the I’m A Celebrity line-up, according to The Metro.

“I’m actually not in the jungle, Cat,” Ben said, addressing co-host Cat Deeley. “Even my mum messaged me to ask if I was heading onto I’m A Celebrity.”

Instead, Ben revealed that he was hosting a new ITV reality competition called The Summit. Already a hit in Australia, the show challenges 14 contestants from diverse backgrounds—including a pole dancer, a carer, and athletes—to trek to the top of one of the world’s highest mountains. Their goal? To claim a share of a £200,000 jackpot.

“They’ll face all sorts of challenges and difficulties,” Ben teased, without revealing much more about the secretive show.

Ben’s fitness journey has played a key role in preparing for this demanding role. Sharing updates on social media, he’s taken on a “50-day challenge” to become “the fittest I’ve ever been” before his 50th birthday. His regimen includes cold water swimming, 5k walks, and ice baths.

A source told The Sun: “Ben was the perfect choice to host the UK version of this popular format, given his interest in fitness and sport, plus his experience hosting Ninja Warrior UK. ITV bosses gave him time off from This Morning to film The Summit, which has been kept under wraps to avoid spoiling the format.”

Ahead of his departure, Ben hinted at his project, telling viewers: “I’m taking a couple of weeks away to work on this exciting new project for ITV. It’s top secret!” He added that he was heading “to the other side of the world” after the show but couldn’t share specifics.

Co-host Cat Deeley pressed him about possible I’m A Celebrity involvement, asking if he’d be eating “witchetty grubs.” Ben playfully responded, “I can neither confirm nor deny where in the world I’m going.”

Ben and Cat stepped in to host This Morning after Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby left the show. However, since their departure, viewership has slumped dramatically, leading to reported financial challenges for ITV, including shorter staff contracts and potential job cuts.

For now, Ben is focused on The Summit, promising nail-biting moments, endurance tests, and plenty of drama. Fans will have to wait to see if his new venture can climb to the top of reality TV.